As kids everywhere return to school, the Detroit Youth Choir released their own take on the song made famous by Guns N’ Roses to call for continued progress in the wake of recent tragedies in Uvalde, Oxford, Highland Park, and Buffalo. Over 50 Choir members aged between 8-18 years old contributed to this new arrangement of “Sweet Child O’ Mine”.

The song choice was inspired by the story of Layla Salazar, age 11, who was one of the nineteen children and two teachers tragically killed at Robb Elementary in Ulvade, Texas. Each morning as her Dad Vinnie Salazar drove Layla to school in his truck, they would sing-along together to “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” by Guns N’ Roses.

The song, Layla’s father wrote on Facebook, was the only thing bringing him peace right now. Layla’s father Vinnie gave permission for her image to be used in the video that accompanies the recording and has shared his appreciation to the choir for their efforts.