Car-tastrophe Thrice Over: Help Me Rebuild

Hello my dear friends, family, and cherished supporters,

I'm humbly reaching out to you today with a personal message, knowing that I am surrounded by a community of incredible individuals who have stood by me time and time again.

As most of you know, I am not just a vocalist, but also a passionate Teaching Artist who has dedicated my career so far to decolonizing music education. Music has been a resource of joy, deep reflection and catharsis, plus a profound way for me to connect with each of you. It is because of your unwavering love and support that I've been able to live my dreams.

In this transitional season, life has thrown me some unexpected curveballs. After making the decision to move in with my parents before going to Tennessee- There were two significant car accidents that produced some tension-disrupting our harmony. The first was a hit-and-run incident where my niece and I were rear-ended on my last night in Kalamazoo. Many of you prayed, shared my pain, and encouraged me; I am extremely grateful. The auto industry is one that has struggled most to recover post-quarantine so the collision shop worked to fix my car facing backorders and a lack of labor over a 4-month period. Since I was without a car, my dear sister-friend Faith Quashie let me borrow hers whenever she had to fly out of Michigan! I love you!!!!! I paid the hefty $1,000 deductible and got my car “DeeDee (Detroit Red)” back just in time for spring!

Just when I thought the situation was on the mend, Mother’s Day weekend a month later my car was stolen as part of an absurd TikTok trend. Not to mention, it was the night before my first one-woman show! I woke up that morning and there was glass on the street, no car. I filed a police report and rented a Turo so I could get to Kalamazoo by soundcheck in 4 hours.

These unexpected car crises have not only left me emotionally shaken but have also impacted my ability to continue our shared musical journey. My dreams of inspiring and nurturing young talents through music education have been temporarily put on hold. It had taken months to wait for my vehicle repairs, using my hard-earned savings, only to have it taken away in an instant. Fast forward 4 more months of waiting and another $1,000 deductible, and I feel like I’m right back where I started.