Music Brings Life: A Harmonious Fight for Sickle Cell Awareness
By Eric Perry
In a world where music and entertainment often shape perceptions and connect us to important causes, one organization stands out for its heartfelt mission: "Music Brings Life." Founded by Keenan 'Special' Bristol, this initiative is dedicated to raising awareness about blood donation and sickle cell disease, particularly among young people. Special’s journey began with a deeply personal experience that ignited his passion to make a difference.
Keenan 'Special' Bristol
Special's inspiration to create "Music Brings Life" stemmed from a traumatic moment—his mother nearly lost her life due to a lack of available blood donations. This harrowing experience opened his eyes to a critical issue: many individuals, especially within Black American, Caribbean, and Latino communities, often do not donate blood. Determined to create change, Special launched "Music Brings Life," a blood awareness organization that uses music, entertainment, and film to educate the youth about the importance of blood donation and the realities of sickle cell disease.
"Music Brings Life" hosts interactive assemblies and musical events at high schools where students engage with individuals living with sickle cell disease who share their personal stories. Special emphasizes that connecting through music and entertainment resonates deeply with students, inspiring them to take action. He believes that reaching young people is crucial, stating, “When you’re younger, you’re able to get over that earlier.” His commitment to engaging the youth is at the heart of the organization’s mission.
Special’s vision received a significant boost when Prince, a well-known entertainer, joined "Music Brings Life," coinciding with his birthday. Eager to give back to the community, Prince welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with Special on this meaningful initiative. “Literally after I said that to myself, [Special] calls me like two days later,” Prince recalls, marking the beginning of a powerful partnership that amplifies the mission of "Music Brings Life."
Together, Special and Prince have crafted impactful events that go beyond traditional presentations. Their assemblies are filled with trivia, performances, and dance contests, creating an engaging atmosphere. Prince highlights the importance of peer connection, explaining, “When you see your peers, you’re like, ‘Wow, that could be me.’” This innovative approach allows students to emotionally connect with the cause, understanding the significance of blood donation in a relatable manner.
A standout project from this partnership is the film "Students Are Heroes," which Special meticulously researched and wrote over two years. Drawing from conversations with individuals living with sickle cell disease, he authentically portrays their experiences. The film aims to reach audiences in a way that pamphlets and lectures cannot, using storytelling to evoke empathy and inspire action.
Prince took on a crucial role as an executive producer and actor in the film, providing creative input and support to Special's vision. Together, they sought to showcase the challenges faced by those living with sickle cell in a way that resonates emotionally with viewers. “Having that medium as a different avenue of getting the message across, you’re watching it and you’re feeling those emotions,” Prince notes while emphasizing the film's potential to inspire change.
At the heart of "Music Brings Life" is a commitment to the community, particularly reaching out to young people. By connecting directly with those affected by sickle cell disease, Special and Prince ensure that their message is authentic and impactful. Their collaborative spirit and dedication shine through as they work tirelessly to leverage their platforms for meaningful change.
The partnership between Special and Prince through "Music Brings Life" not only raises awareness about the importance of blood donation but, also fosters a sense of community and support for those affected by sickle cell disease. Their innovative, engaging approach inspires youth to take action, ensuring that the next generation understands the life-saving power of blood donation. Through music, storytelling, and heartfelt connections, they are making a significant impact in the fight against sickle cell disease proving that indeed, "music brings life"—and with Prince’s support, Special's light shines even brighter.