Advocacy
Why Advocacy?
Through my music, lyrics, songs, performances, and presentations, I feel blessed to be able to convey the thoughts, ideas, and feelings of not only myself, but of the countless hundreds I have met in my lifetime. These wonderful and unique individuals have suffered trauma and abuse that defy description. Their strength and perseverance help guide me. Equally important are the many great organizations dedicated to advocating for those who have experienced the dehumanization of discrimination and stigma pertaining to mental illness/health and the sheer horror and impact felt by those who have endured childhood sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. You will find some of these groups listed in the resources section.
I am forever honored to have worked with and met so many of you.
This photo of me playing the guitar and singing with friends were taken at a restaurant and pub at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, in November 2005. We had all just been part of the conference at Georgetown University – “Children in Slavery – The 21st Century Summit.” It was a truly powerful experience, and I was quite honored to present and share my experiences as a child and a young teen. Though emotionally draining for me, I knew that by sharing, I would be helping others who have suffered and those enduring horrible hardships today. Music is a powerful remedy for hope, and as these photos show, having fun. I was grateful and humbled to be asked to speak and to perform a concert for the students of Georgetown University, along with some other colleges, in February 2006, who held their own conference to end the exploitation and trafficking of children and adults.
This photo of The Cedars [where I stayed in November 2005] are worth sharing because of the mission statement and beliefs held by those involved with The Cedars. A place where people of different persuasions, religions, political beliefs, race, nationality, etc, can come to talk in a peaceful and neutral setting. The following text is part of their Vision:
“I was hungry, and you gave me food. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you made me welcome. I was naked, and you clothed me. I was ill, and you came and looked after me. I was in prison, and you came to see me there. I assure you that whatever you did for the humblest of my brothers and sisters, you did for me.
