A Cause, A Movement, A City Without Tears

By Alexandria Adams
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (UTC/The Loop)- Michael Kelly, also known as Big Mike Mic, is a local Chattanooga rapper who dreams of a city without violence.

Kelly and his brother Brian started the project, “City Without Tears”, a year and a half ago. M. Kelly said, “ I want to bring awareness, awareness to the numbness of the violence and injustice that has been going on in the community.”

City Without Tears flyer

M. Kelly said that City Without Tears was inspired by his own self reflection, and seeing the tremendous toll that a life with violence takes on not only one person, but a community.

M. Kelly considers himself an artist and has been creating music for ten years. He wrote a six track EP, a documentary, a poem ,and a music video to help spread the message about the reoccurring violence and murders that Chattanooga has been experiencing.

By seeing the effects of violence firsthand M. Kelly said that is what drives him to continue his efforts to help put a stop to the violent crimes. “God led my heart to stop talking and be active.”

The two brothers hope City Without Tears becomes not just a message, but also a movement. B. Kelly said,” No one wants to see anyone hurt; especially not someone that you love. If one person is hurt, that hurt is going to spread.”

Brian Kelly speaks about the cause in the documentary

They hope their efforts make an impact not only on the local community, but that the message to end violence reaches to other cities having the same problem.
M. Kelly said, “ This project needs to be on the biggest platform possible. There is heavy violence going on in every city. This, most definitely is something that needs to be broadcast.”

B. Kelly said, “Everything is like an infection. If you don’t do something, it’s only going to get bigger and bigger. Why be reactive, when we can be more proactive?”

They hope to raise at least $10,000 for the project.