Through my music, lyrics, songs, and performances, I feel blessed to be able to try 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 abuses that defy description. Their strength and perseverance help guide me. Equally important are the many
great organizations dedicated to advocating for those who have felt the sting 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. God has indeed blessed all of you.
These 2 photos of me playing the guitar and singing with some friends were taken at a restaurant & pub at Georgetown University in Washington, DC in November 2005. We had all just been part of the conference held at Georgetown University – “Children In Slavery – The 21st Century Summit”. It was a truly powerful experience and I was quite honored that I was asked to present and talk of 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 for those enduring horrible hardships today…..music is indeed a powerful remedy for hope and as these photos show..having fun. I was once again honored 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.
The photos of The Cedars [where I stayed Nov. 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.”