ONE VOICE / ONE SOUND

Sonya J. Bowser  -  No one deserves to be violated in any way form or fashion especially children. I feel that all forms of abuse  need to be addressed more in our communities and that we need to offer more help and assistance to children who have been impacted from this horrible reality in all communities. It is time for us to speak out make our voices heard.

 Kala Butler - Child abuse is something that I try to protect my son from.  It is what keeps me from letting him go, but I have to let him go a enjoy life.  He will never know that this is my fear.

Desiree Scott - Wow!   This is really deep!  I realized that my son and I were in an emotionally abusive situation.  The father of my now 7 week old son had been emotionally abusive with me and my 12 year old son for over 5 years. I am no longer with this person, but the affects of his torment I am just now realizing.   My 12 year old son has such low esteem issues and is so depressed, that I am currently taking him to a therapist as well as myself.   The pain is so deep because his bio-father walked out of his life at 4 years old.   Me, being very low on my own self esteem, was too eager to fill the void and as a result hooked up with someone who was not good for me and my son.   Unfortunately it wasn’t until I got pregnant with my 7 week old that I realized that I was in a relationship that will ultimately kill me or my son;  worse case both.

I'm much better today, but it's my son that I worry about. He suffered much deeper than I realized, and it affected his school work, social interactions ... you name it!!   At this point I'm trying to deconstruct the horrible verbal abuse my ex- bestowed on my son and I'm trying to erase so much damage to how he views himself.   His entire persona is one of a child who is hopeless and feels not worthy.  It’s going to be tough for me to get him back on track, but I am committed to do so.   With God's help, I know we will be okay.    What adults don't understand is that abuse has so many forms and just because there is no physical abuse, it does’t mean that it hurts any less.  I wish I was stronger much earlier so that I could have saved him from it all,  but I am strong today and through my prosperity and improved example of self love,  I'm hoping he will be more than fine, he will be strong and overcome.

Willis Glenn - I am an abuse survivor. I live just outside of Philadelphia. I realize how abuse can affect a person's life and how important it is to have others there to lead you away from that situation. I was blessed to have a mother who cared - she pulled my brother, sisters and I away from a situation that could have ended tragically. I also realize that their are some who were not as lucky as we were. C.J., thank you for reminding me that it's not about me and if you need anything, let me know.

Glenda Humphrey - Every time I watch the news and hear of incidents of child abuse I begin to cry.  Though I live my life not to judge others and usually have to ask God's forgiveness because I feel like abusers should have a death sentence.  I've never been able to have children and I cringe when I hear of women who have abused their own beautiful babies.  I scream inside! 

I was abused in a babysitting situation because my mother had to stay in the hospital for weeks at a time.  I have blocked out all of it except for my skin crawling when I hear the song, "the thrill is gone" by BB King.  It played constantly on the jukebox at the house my brother and I were forced to stay until my mother got out of the hospital.  My brother told my cousin and she didn't do anything.  The man who did it died a painful death from cancer.  A justice in the end for the life he lived I guess.  Thank you for this website.

Barbara J. Shields Williams - I am a Child Abuse survivor.  For years I could not speak to my mother.  I didn't understand the beatings, the cursing or the drinking.  It took until I was in my thirties before I realized I was hurting myself more by holding unforgiveness. So I told her how I felt and forgave her.

I live in Detroit with 5 children of my own.  I work with youth, mainly those who no-one else will have anything to do with.  Since my children were young my home has been a safe heaven for any child who needed a place to lay their head.  My husband and I prayed with them, talked to them, fed and clothed many of them.  Many left the streets which they felt was the only place they had and many are dead from the streets.

Children are so special, and innocent.   Most people give up to soon.  A child that has been hurt and abused will not trust easily.  They are going to test you.  We as adults have to stand up to the test.  We have to be able to take the cursing, the temper tantrums, and we have to give unconditional love.

I have a daughter who abused her daughter. I am taking care of my granddaughter at this time.  I thank God that I was able to see what happening before it was got to the point that we could not help.  My daughter praises God that she received treatment, and is know an excellent mother to her other two daughters.  Abuse of any kind to a child should never happen.  But, we as a people are going to have to step up for our young.  We need to go back to being a village and looking out for our children. 

Charlee Green (St. Louis, MO) - I am against child abuse of any kind from neglect to sexual. I am against the many adults who enable child abuse. This includes mothers who do not screen people who come in close contact with their children, mothers who turn a blind eye even though they KNOW their child/ran are  being molested. The judges and juries who find it impossible to believe that predators can be "upstanding members of the community" and let them walk free. School and social authorities that fail to take the proper actions after a child reports abuse or show obvious signs of it. People who want money from you in order promote your cause. And, especially, I am against the Press that fails to make this cause a priority whenever called upon to get the word out.
.
Keep your faith, C.J. Your cause is a good one and God will open all doors for you. I know how much it must hurt when you have to "fight" in order to keep fighting. But God will fight the battles. Don't waste your precious passion. Keep your eyes on the prize, my friend. You will win the war!

Evelyn Simpson (Glassboro, New Jersey) - The thought of someone hurting a precious, vulnerable child just breaks my heart.  Anyone that deliberately does harm to a child in any form or fashion should go straight to jail.  Abuse creates a lifetime battle and no one should be sentenced to that.  It makes me sick when I hear of people hiding secrets of molestation and other forms of abuse. They are only boosting on negative behavior that will lead to more abuse. 

 Every child has the right to feel safe and secure. Every child deserves to be loved and nurtured. It saddened me to see so many on this website that suffered or lost their lives as a result of abuse. This took me far beyond the experiences that I have witnessed throughout my career.

I will definitely do my part and pass this on. To sum it all up, your Website states it all.   I am totally in agreement with Martin Luther King:  "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."  Therefore, we can not allow one incident to slip by us because the abuser will abuse again!

Gloria Wallach - I had to take a time out so before signing this book, because this is so dear to my heart.  I can relate because I was abused as a child by a family member.  My life has taken a winding road.

Because of my own troubled childhood, it hurts my heart for the way some children are hurt.  I hurt when they hurt, and the troubling thing is when you inform some parents of the abuse you notice,  they are blind to it ( they know, but they just don't want it known by others).

 I don't allow my own children around my family for fear that they will be harmed as I was and won't tell.  Of course I could have told my mother - she was there and she would have killed if she knew, but the mind of predator is like the mind of a child.  They know how children think, and they know what scares us,  and what shuts us up,  and if we don't have people to care for us as children we end up looking for love in all the wrong places or turning to the streets or drugs.

So I say God Bless you,  and I wish you could save each and every child in this world we live in because like I was, most children are afraid to talk, and want to tell but can't or won't , for fear of what may happen to them or for the most shame.  

 So I say again God Bless you in your endeavors and may peace come over every child tonight, and may God place a comforting protection Covent over each and every one of them.

It is said it takes a village to rise to a child that village should be protecting them as well from the evil and hurt that lurks in the midst of darkness.  As a people we still have a long way to go with reporting abuse of our precious ones.  The days of mind your own business are no more.  Although, I've gone through a lot in my life, I'm blessed because I'm still here and I haven't had the courage to speak out before, but I guess now is as good a time as any to step up and help save a life.  Thanks for the inspiration, for giving me vocals to my whispering voice.  God Bless You.

Shontaye - Our children, blessings and true gifts from God, but somehow people resort to abusing them.  It's a sad reality that doesn't have to be.  Our children are our future and what we nurture, will certainly grow. Abuse whether it's mental, physical or emotional has a lasting effect on a child's life and is wrong!  Children should never have to experience abuse of any kind. Hopefully, along the way someone will take that child under their wings and show them the wonderful blessing and gifts they truly are and love them unconditionally.  Our world, our country, would be much better if we just displayed more love and concern towards one another. You have a big heart.  We can all learn a lesson from you.

Wendy Franklin Muhammad - The general disregard that we have for our youth and children, in general, is astounding.  From the neglect and abuse they shoulder to the sub-standard education, we are assigning them to the permanent underclass of the world.  Something must be done, on every level.  We ALL must stop and help. Wishing you success in your endeavors of good.

Antoinette Hamilton - I had to write you back just to say "W-O-W"!!!  I have just now read everything on your site and can now say again, "W-O-W".   As much as I would like to buy your book and purchase it, I do not know if I can handle it right now C.J. - just reading your poem that you wrote when you were 10 years old just “snatched” my heart out from me!

Anonymous - Wow, Child Abuse:    This is a very deep and wide subject.  How do I feel about child abuse? Well for one it hurts my heart to know that a child is being harmed, and I can use a lot of words to describe how I feel.  If we are to stop this madness against our children, we have to get our men in there rightful place.

Dr. Kit - May God bless you & your career.   May you have a very blessed & prosperous New Year in the Lord.

SFC Keith Collins - I reside in Prince George, VA I just wanted to leave a few words on the prevention of child abuse!  I think that we should not even be having this discussion!  Who would want to harm a helpless child, who hasn't even had a chance to grow, play and do the things we all were provided as a child?

 If it’s in your nature to harm a child, then you should be prepared to accept whatever punishment due to you and whatever it may be!!!  I believe that those who are doing this cowardly act unfortunately were subject to the same abuse as a child as well and we have to break the cycle and be forever vigilant for all of our children!  This is a most important cause to advocate and I am most proud of this forum to get the word out to all that can read or hear!  Keep up the great work and continue this very important initiative!!  God bless!

Katrina Spigner - Awesome! May God bless the work you are doing!

Deborah Hudson - Wow!  This is just beautiful!

Shannell Holmes - Much love and respect to you!

Zondra - C.J., I love your energy and your drive.  You are a special person!

Bray Tarver - Keep doing great things!  I love your attitude!  Much respect!

Rikki - Hi Ms. Brooks! I sent you a short comment over a week ago.  At that time, I hadn't gotten a good chance to look over your website because I was on my way to a class. I just want to say, God Bless you sista. Your attitude alone is working on my spirit. You have already done so much for me with that alone. I am working my guestbook comments to you and I am going through the motions doing it! *Whew* It is a very serious issue and very difficult to talk about which makes it that much more important to address. You will read my comments soon, but in the meantime, I just want to say to you thank you for caring enough to share love and kindness with a stranger. It's nice to know there are still a few good people in the world.  Talk to you soon!

 Jarreau Diamond - I feel that child abuse results from lack of nurturing and love from the offender.  It needs to stop, and the only way to stop it is to be proactive.  It's amazing how many children are abused because their provider is just so tired.  It is so sad to hear of a story that details instances of child abuse.  I was raped as a young girl, and I know how it feels to be helpless and scared.  I know how it feels to carry that weight around all of your life.  We can all pray that the Lords angels stay protected.

Charlene Richardson - I am always saddened upon hearing of child abuse.  I actually stopped watching the news because of all the terrible things I hear and see done to children.  I couldn't take it anymore. Children are a gift from Almighty God.  There are women who would love to have children that cannot, and ones who can have them just don't take care of them properly.  I feel that if a person feels that they are not capable of caring for a child, why don't they give them up for adoption or put them in foster care?

 We have to be more protective of the little ones.  They cannot care for themselves nor did they ask to be here.  I am not a child abuse survivor.  I had loving parents that spared not the rod on me but never hurt me to the point of abuse.  I have a little one right now and I pray and ask God everyday to help me to be the mother he created me to be to my little one.  As a single mom, it gets tough sometimes, but because of God's grace and mercy I make it through and don't take things out on her physically or emotionally.  I don't spare the rod either.  God Bless.

Lutonya c/o Industry Buzz - Thank you so much for your email.  Looking forward to connecting with you and learning more about your vision.

Mary Wright - C.J., I think that you are doing an excellent job, because you know our kids are innocent and they are our tomorrow.  I am a 100% against Child Abuse, even though I never experienced it.  My heart is big and my arms are wide.  What can do to help?   I live here in Raleigh, North Carolina, but I'm willing to help you reach your goal and fulfill your dream.   I think you are doing a wonderful job.  Keep up the good work. 

Lady Cop - I think what you are doing is great we need more positive influences around. Keep up the good work and stay focused. Keep your eye and mind on the prize:  Our children.

Felecia (Lisa) Johnson - Hello, my name is Felicia Johnson, and I think what you are doing is wonderful, and from what I have seen and read, you have a big heart. I personally don’t have kids, but I love kids and I am dead set against Child Abuse. I wish I could afford it, because I would adopt older and younger children - as many as I could, and just love them and give them the love they deserve.  That’s what I want to do; and I believe the Lord is going to bless me financially to do just that.   Satan is after our children, and God bless people like you who wants to make a difference in the life of a child who cannot help themselves. I was blessed with a good mother.  While she struggled to raise 3 children alone, we didn’t have the best of everything, but we had love.

Renee (Washington, D.C.) - I am so glad to have seen a site that helps represent children that don't have voices for themselves.  I have a teenage son and I am truly thankful for him, no matter the trials that he has taken me through. As parents, we have to understand that we are the only advocates for our children, so we have to ask GOD to protect them, because we are not always there to do so. Seeing all of those children on your Website has my heart and eyes crying right now because they didn’t deserve what were given. C.J., Sister you are a blessing and Gods vessel and this may be your calling.  Thank you for your email. Stay Blessed.

Charles C. Cash - I'm very emotional right now, just to see all these children gone. People are so heartless to hurt a defenseless child. I looked at every page.

Spiro Karadimas - God bless you for what you are doing.  

Jeanette Wilson - I like what you are doing to keeping us informed of what's going on with children today, especially children of color. Keep up the good work.

Odetta Mays - This is a wonderful site. We don't hear or see enough about our children. God Bless you!

Mr. & Mrs. James Crew (New Orleans, Louisiana) - We applaud your vision for saving our children. Someone has to look out for their best interests. Keep it going!

Jeffrey McKinney - What a beautiful site. You seem like you have been doing such a wonderful job helping children. I don't think any of us can totally get away from the abuse that happens to children and the effects that follow, whether or not we have been personally abused ourselves. It effects us all on multilayers. You seem like just an amazing individual and again it amazes me.  Thanks and God bless you.

Sandy Crayton - I love the fact that you have a heart for our children. That type of passion should be shared with everyone. Keep up the fight, and the law of sowing and reaping will continue to flow your way.

Clarice Sabree - I am a survivor of  Child Abuse and sexual molestation. The physical scars healed, but the incidents are never forgotten. I have grown sons, and many grandchildren. I am close to and watchful of my grandchildren as I wish for them to grow into adulthood without experiencing the pain of abuse and neglect. I believe that our relationship is such that they will come to me if anyone should try to abuse them in anyway. There seems to be so many sick people preying on children today, but the difference from when I was a child is that now it is out in the open, being exposed by the media, and the internet. Information is the key to prevention. Your website is an important work. Peace and blessings.

Tina Newton (Fayetteville, North Carolina) - This is beautiful, I am wiping my tears trying to type something here.  It is bringing memories of my life, from birth till adulthood, and to know that you are doing this!   Bless you for caring so much.

I am no one to give advice, but as a child of abuse, I was sexually and physically abused, but my whole family pretty much knew everything. Most were involved either most of the abuse. So when you have a fully dysfunctional family, and you are picked on by other kids, you just don't tell when no one reaches out to you. No one cared. No one reached out to me. I have basically been on my own since I was 12, and raised my brothers and sisters, obtaining full custody of them at age 16. The family members, who could help, didn't.  I don't think being a victim for so long that I can mentor, but I can surely pray for all abuse victims.

Stacey (A.F. Retired, Warner Robins, GA) - Thank you so very much for all that you do...I know it's no easy job but somebody has to do it & I know Gods little Angels are grateful for you! May you continue to be a blessing to all those in need.

Gibran Tariq (Charlotte NC) - I am willing to lend my talents to your cause in any way you deem appropriate. I am very deeply concerned over the plight of child abuse - and though I am not an official advocate or a victim, I am very troubled by what has now become an epidemic in the black community.   I sincerely view the children as the future.  Both our success and survival will ultimately depend on them.   What I know to be true is that a scarred child cannot and will not rise to his or her full potential because the trauma of abuse will stunt the growth of that child.

Karena L. Johnson - Just want to let you know I'm on your side.

Wyteria Jacobo - Thanks for reaching out to me.

Chyna K. - Thank you for being a child advocate!  I'm a Big Sister in my town.  I love adults who take an active role in improving the lives of little people.  I send you many smooches for that.

 4us - I hate to even hear about Child Abuse.   We all have those that we love. What happened to do unto others as you would have them do unto you?  I am perplexed, but still I have hope and belief - for "the quest has just begun"; and I am so thankful.  Thank you for allowing me to hear some great music on your Site, and share my thoughts. Much peace, love and happiness to you and yours!

Dr. George Love - I "like" your Attitude! 

Curtis Ford - Thank you for having the passion, courage, and drive to do this.  I think that often drugs and alcohol play a significant role in child abuse.  I believe that abusers have a distorted feeling of self worth and feel helpless inside. Although there is no excuse for child abuse, I believe that abusers are victims of many circumstances that perpetuate a state of hopelessness and children ultimately suffer the perils of hopelessness.

I was born in the late 70's to a 16 year old mother and raised by a stepfather that didn't want me around.  He was mentally and physically abusive and thought there needed to be some space between my mother and I.  As a result of the circumstances in which I was raised, I grew up feeling alone.  Although I've acted out in many throughout my life and have been many places emotionally, I decided not to hold on to the anger and pain.  It has been a life long process and a constant effort at self improvement, helping others and cultivating positive things in life. Part of me still feels helpless and strives for control which has made me become a very ambitious person.  But I have chosen to end the cycle of abuse with me and work to change to circumstances that perpetuate a feeling of hopelessness.  It was my audacity of hope that has carried me through the life I have lived.   I feel that we can work to stop child abuse in many ways. 

1. Teach people how to cope with stress and feelings of helplessness/hopelessness without the use of drugs, alcohol, sex, gambling, overeating.

2. Help people to understand that no matter where they are in life, they are a valuable, integral part of society and that we all need one another.

3. Inspire healthy, fit lifestyles, promote lifelong education, encourage dreams, support ambition.

4. Require or create incentives for people to go to parenting classes where they learn how babies and children communicate and how to effectively nurture a child while still being an individual.

5. Adopt the "It takes a whole village to raise a child" mentality, and nurture all children as much as possible.  Be their friend, fan, advocate and protector, even if you have to stand up to protect them from an abusive parent.