Building Up a Brick A Day (Church and Song)

This year the Magic Penny Ceremony of the Children’s Music Network honored Kim and Reggie Harris. KIm and Reggie have been friends of mine for many years. I met them through my affiliation with the Kennedy Center teaching artist roster, and we’ve talked many times. I deeply admire their artistry; they are fantastic singers, activists, teachers, and advocates. They both also have an amazing presence about them, a depth of knowledge, joy and love.

The song tells pieces of the story of the Brick a Day Church. Find out more here.

This video is from the ceremony. Singers include Beth Bierko, Jean Milman, Brigid Finucane, Barbara Tilsen, Tom Pease, Bruce O’Brien, and Stuart Stotts. As well as all the great singers gathered in the room that day. Thanks to David C Perry for filming.

(Building Up A) Brick A Day

Got our eyes on the prize and our feet on the road.
Building up a brick a day.
If we work together we can lift this load
Building up a brick a day.
We built this church with heart and soul
Building up a brick a day.
Only love can make us whole.

Deep in our ancestry. We all share a common key.
We will shape our history.
Building up a brick a day.

They came with hate and they came with fire.
Building up a brick a day.
But we just lift our voices higher.
Building up a brick a day.
We might be tired and we might be afraid
Building up a brick a day.
But you can’t tear down what love has made.
Building up a brick a day.

Deep in our ancestry. We all share a common key.
We will shape our history.
Building up a brick a day.

Got our eyes on the prize and our feet on the road.
Building up a brick a day.
If we work together we can lift this load
Building up a brick a day.