The Resistance Revival Chorus Celebrates a Year of Sisterhood

It's been a whirlwind year for the members of the Resistance Revival Chorus. In short, the group uses singing as a form of political activism. But since their founding in 2017, the RRC has flourished into a sisterhood of likeminded individuals using their craft for good. Their foundation, spurred by a desire to speak out and join the resistance against President Donald Trump, has earned them international praise and even a place on the stage beside Kesha during the 2018 Grammys.

As Jenna Lauter, one of the RCC co-founders told Teen Vogue, the group's decision to pursue singing as a form of protest is rooted in a historic practice. She explained that after the election, she, along with fellow co-founders Sarah Sophie Flicker, Shruti Ganguly, Alyssa Klein, Paola Mendoza, Nelini Stamp, and Ginny Suss, had all felt overwhelmed.

"We had been thrown into this chaotic environment after the election where it felt like every five minutes you were getting another news alert that would make your heart sink," Jenna recounted. "We all realized that resisting and taking in all the news was taking such a toll on us, both physically and emotionally. We wanted to explore this idea of bringing joy into the resistance and music has always historically been part of that movement. RRC was founded as a way of helping to soothe our spirits."

During its initial formation, the group would meet informally, sometimes even brainstorming in each other's kitchens. The turning point for RRC came after a video of one of their performances went viral. As Jenna explained, some members had decided to meet in Times Square to sing. The performance was recorded and later uploaded to the Internet where it went viral. "The video snowballed beyond what we could have ever expected," Jenna said. In the days and months following the viral video, the Chorus was invited to perform at events across the United States. "It validated the idea that this was something society really needed right now," she added.

Once an organization of about 20 people, the chorus now includes more than 70 members. And many of those participants can't believe how far they've come. "In a year we accomplished so much," Geminelle Rollins told Teen Vogue. "We've performed at platforms as big as the Grammys and Tribeca Film Festival. It's such a phenomenal thing to look back and think how it's only been a year. I have no idea what we're going to accomplish next, but I hope to create songs of resistance for this generation."

The group's setlist includes traditional protest songs, and members of the group have been learning new material, as well as writing their own songs. As they look toward the future, Jenna also shared how the Resistance Revival Chorus has a desire to pursue songwriting. "One of the things we're trying to do is to draw the connection that the struggle we're in has deep, long, historic roots. We're just carrying on the torch for those that have come before us."

In addition to serving as a means of political resistance, the group has helped some of its members establish new friendships. As Geminelle shared with Teen Vogue, the members of the chorus has helped her heal. "The first rehearsal that I went to we all sat around and talked about what we're passionate about and what change we wanted to see in the world," she said. "At the time, I had been searching for stronger relationships. I had lost a few friends and was feeling a little lost. That first rehearsal was such a healing thing for me. To see all these women passionate about changing the world equally and to feel like I found my circle of friends ... these women are now my sisters."

Whatever means of resistance you choose to pursue, be it singing or shouting, Jenna reminded Teen Vogue readers that their actions could have a potentially global impact. "We all have a responsibility to bring about a kinder and more gentle world," she said. "We're all part of this planet and society together, so while an issue might not directly affect you, it does effect you. We're all connected, and what harms others could inevitably harm you as well. It's our moral responsibility to resist." Geminelle agreed, and noted that "there is freedom in speaking your truth," and that by taking action, you might end up be the inspiration or show of courage that someone else needed to witness. "You can be a beacon of hope and light," she said.

For those looking to experience what the RRC is about or for those who wish to catch one of their performances, the group has a show planned on August 13 at the Delacorte Theater in New York City's Central Park.

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