It was the biggest deal in my family, when Michael Jackson was about to release HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I. We talked about it for weeks. It literally was a family affair when it showed up at the house and all my aunts, uncles, cousins and grand parents showed up. It was like Christmas! We all gathered around, glued to the TV and watched, singing along, laughing, crying. That is what Michael Jackson means to me. Unity. That was all he ever wanted. To unify people of all races colors, classes, creeds, origins… as one. He wanted to harmony between people and saw beauty in everything and everyone. I didn’t want to be like Michael Jackson. I wanted to BE him.

I remember being a little girl, and my grandma would take video tapes of Michael Jackson performances and music videos. I swear that was all I watched all day, whenever I was at my grandma’s house. I didn’t get his crotch grabbing but I loved it! It was so dramatic whenever he did it. And the way he would slide across those huge stages with pyrotechnic backdrops; I wanted to do that. I saw smiles and tears on faces of all ages in those massive, screaming crowds. I took my mom’s lipstick and wrote on the mirror, “Music.Is.Life” to remind me everyday, where I wanted to be. Who I wanted to be. Michael Jackson was not just the Pop King, he was the King of Catharsis. He was therapy for so many. Hope. Inspiration. Motivation. Comfort. A voice for those who could not be heard through the noise of the world. They needed a King. A King to speak for them because the world would listen to him. And many did. I don’t even have to get into his accolades (which are obviously endless).

I tried my best to summarize what MJ means to me in a short video that I was asked to make, shortly after The King had passed. It’s been 1 year already but honestly, as much as I cried my soul out, it feels as though he never left…

We even share the same favorite color, Yellow/Gold, (not red and black as assumed because he predominately wore those colors). My favorite flower is also the Yellow Rose, which was the chosen flower for the service, although I have since learned that Sunflowers, yellow as well, are MJ’s favorite flower. I wanted to be him because I could see myself in him. I saw my future. I saw my name in lights like his. I saw the potential power in my name. I felt that I could join him in his fight to end wars and poverty Worldwide. Cure the sick and feed the hungry. He loved children, just like I do; And I saw a child in him, just as there is a child in me.

I decided that I would pay close attention to Michael Jackson, so I could learn to be just like him. I wanted his heart. Only a heart like his could accomplish what he did. He did everything through the power of Love… and I live my life entirely with the belief that Love, one day, will “Heal The World.”

- Shontelle

Credits: GlobalGrind

Elizabeth David, was 1 of the two Kisa Scholars sponsored so she could be as privileged as others to pursue an education. All the guests, donors, performers, and contributors of the recent GirlsWhoRock/She’s The First concert held in NYC, made all of this possible. Shontelle took time out today to share some words of encouragement and wish Elizabeth many more blessings. Read her touching letter below.

Elizabeth,

It was my absolute honor and pleasure to be a part of Girls Who Rock and She’s The First. I grew up in Barbados. I know what it’s like to live far away from everything you see on tv everyday and dream. Gazing through others eyes at a wondrous world of endless possibilities. I saw myself in places unimaginable by most. I am blessed to have been able to come this far but I could not and did not do it alone. It began with just one person who believed in me. They helped me to believe in myself. Really believe. That 1 person turned into many and now here I am today, being able to do what I’ve always dreamed of from my little island.

I get to sing around the world and write beautiful songs to motivate & inspire people. I touch their lives. Music allows me to do that. And now I have been blessed with opportunities to support benefits like Girls Who Rock and She’s The First. I feel as though I have come full circle and it it means more than you know, to be able to play even just a small role in helping another person to realize their dreams.

Keep doing what you are doing. You have inspired ME! I am the oldest of 3 sisters so I have a natural inclination to want to nurture, guide, inspire and motivate young people and see them do well. And of course being female myself, I need say no more.

Much continued success with this project and I will certainly do what I can to bring more attention to your cause and help where ever I can.

God bless your dear heart,

Much love,

Shontelle

VISIT “SHE’S THE FIRST” TO FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Luxury plane; my head between noise-canceling headphones… Just felt inspired to write on this ( 20 hr? ) trip to Brunei. Maybe it’s Susan Boyle’s voice of silk singing to me. In case you didn’t know, Brunei is a beautiful Island? in South East Asia completely surrounded by Malaysia. As I type, I lay fully reclined in lavish style, 1 glass of Champagne down, a glass of Malbec and endless exotic fruit & gourmet chocolates & cheeses in my cubicle (and so much more), all courtesy of Prince Azim. – Google him! – I’ll never forget the moment we met.

I was on a major tour in the UK and he dropped by the O2 Arena unexpectedly to say hello. What a pleasant surprise. I was truly fascinated by his aura, despite the fact that our chance meeting was all but an ordinary “hang” with a bunch of “homies.” It’s not everyday that a girl from Barbados gets to be in the presence of Royalty. I had quite a blast meeting the Prince and his mates in London and we turned my dressing room into mini party of sorts. Which leads us to this day, Feb 18th, 2010. I’m on a jet! (a la The Lonely Island?) LUSH

Prince Azim must have enjoyed our time together as much as I did, to my delight, since after all this time, he has remembered me and so graciously extended and invitation to myself and friends, to attend a very special private party. I’m not sure “humbled” is the right word to describe my emotions at the moment. It’s deeper than that. Though I consider myself quite a cultured girl (I have some special people in my life to thank for that) I have no idea what to do in the presence of Royalty but I’m sure after this experience I’ll be quite well “seasoned” for want of a better word.

I’ll take tons of pics & footage while I’m in Brunei to share this wonderful dream of an experience with you all. We’re going in transit through Singapore. Hopefully we’ll get to explore a bit while we’re there too! Excited much? YES! I’m hyped! I brought my DJ, Shortman with me so you already what it’s gonna be. We’ll keep you guys fully entertained no doubt with fun updates as usual.

Special thanks to YEOHLEE, Alexander Berardi and SUNO for the fab designs. I’m excited to sport them around Brunei.

My most humble thanks and gratitude goes to Prince Azim and the entire Royal family of the Sultanate of Brunei for all of the good times we are about to share.

Stay tuned…