The Struggle that Releases Inner Power

Frederick Douglas once wrote: “Without struggle there is no progress.” For me, nothing is more profound than watching the growth and evolution of a human being, particularly one who has come from humble beginnings.

In the classroom, student-artists progress from a state of rawness to perfection. It's a slow process that usually takes place over a few years. In part, their development can be attributed to the ritual of practice. The other part of growth comes from their innate ability to be great leaders and achievers, combined with being part of a larger "village" of people who constantly invest time and energy in their success.

The classroom has also served as a place where young folks, primarily boys, feel comfortable getting personal. Some of those in-depth discussions have either become starting points for songs, or wisdom for other students who are just listening.

Through these discussions I inadvertently have learned how complex these students’ lives are. Our label, Inner Power Records has been a conduit, the vehicle that helps to facilitate the release of their feelings. They use their musical abilities and self-expression as a tool to self-diagnose. Music helps to heal their wounds.

Mickel Lewis talks about how the act of writing takes his mind away from everyday problems. He was eight years old when he finally realized that his father was not going to be a part of his life. Instead of wasting time worrying about it, he became more concerned about family that was around. “I either get caught up in the writing process, or what I am writing about. It takes [control of] my mind and relieves the stress, I'm channeling it into the song, thinking that maybe this will help someone else.”

Mickel's song “Gold” speaks boldly about persistence and how working through hardships will have a big payoff at the end. It is both personal and interpersonal. Gold references his aunt and grandmother, two women who have consistently been in his life, and have provided him with a sense of stability, comfort, and wisdom.

Mickel admits that if he had to see a therapist, their job would be pretty easy because he’s already sorted out his problems through his songwriting. He knows that his "living conditions will eventually be better..." and he plans to "...reach a state where everything is o.k."

Mickel's life is getting better. He is a senior, with college right around the corner. He also attends church and Bible study regularly with his aunt and has made some connections with some the younger men in the congregation.

Bernard Conner, a founder of Inner Power Records, just completed his first year at The Community College of Philadelphia. He has been a staple in the music program.

For Bernard, music is helping him to deal with the fact that his father has been in prison since he was seven years old. Unlike Mikel, who has chosen to let go, Bernard still embraces his father's return. Although he has yet to record a song solely about his father, many of Bernard's lyrics coin references to him.

Bernard writes "so other young people who are going through similar experiences can learn." Evident from his lyrics in the song “Music is Life,” he also understands that his art is therapeutic and allows him "to escape depression then release aggression and repeat the method..."

With the many supports that are provided, as well as through their own perseverance, these students will excel and become great contributors to society and their community.  The fact that they are from broken families gives them a steeper hill to climb, but they will reach that apex with a new-found strength.    

Paul Dunnaville is a job counselor and musician extraordinaire who leads music related programming at the Honickman Learning Center and Comcast Technology Labs. This week, we feature some of the staff, artists, and musicians in the music program at the Honickman Learning Center and Comcast Technology Labs. Look for more reflections, lyrics,  and performance clips!