The Forgotten Child is a movement designed to spark conversations around the world highlighting the truest potential of each and everyone of us.
The Inspiration:It was a cold, snowy December night. It is Junior year of college at Roger Williams University. I just finished speaking at a Potluck Dinner at my Alma Mater, The Southport School. Reflecting back on my entire educational journey, (being told I would never go to college, bullied by teachers because I was 3 grade levels behind in reading in 6th grade, socially isolated) all because I had a severe learning difference. So here I am, having the best year of my life, on the dean's list, building a company and founder of 2 prominent university organizations I want to share that this success was not easy. I wanted to share that my story is actually the story of many others. Many others including some of my biggest role-models like Richard Branson and Albert Einstein. All were told would never be successful in school at the thing the are best known for today. Ironic isn't it? I think not. You see, the story’s we are from the biggest household names that have Dyslexia or struggled with their learning difference does not just stay with the successful people. In fact, this story is the story of many others, perhaps even the story of you. :The Platform:I needed to somehow share this story. The story of all those who were misunderstood in school simply for the way they learn and especially for those currently struggling to know that they are not alone. My University had a massive poetry slam every year that I decided would make a perfect launch to The Forgotten Child Campaign. Touching the hearts of everyone in the room, I knew The Forgotten Child was having a much bigger impact than I even realized at the time. Partnering with Emmy-Award Film Producer, Harvey Hubbell:And then the phone rang… A long time friend and talented education movie producer, Harvey Hubbell saw the power of the emotional imagery from the words of the poem. Together with over 2 years of conversations and careful planning, we started to film The Forgotten Child. From drone shots, to diverse neighborhoods, the vision of The Forgotten Child film is meant for everyone to feel a sense of themselves in the poem. The Global Impact:Since the launch of The Forgotten Child film in early October on Facebook, the film has been shared over 1,200 times around the world. From New York to Fiji, to Israel to South Africa the video continues to touch the hearts of thousands. |