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Rahsaan Patterson, for RAINN
February 22, 2012 – (New York, NY) – Mack Avenue recording artist and soul innovator Rahsaan Patterson is the new celebrity ambassador for RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. Patterson, a former star of the American children’s television program Kids Incorporated, has sold more than 10 million CDs to date with his six critically-acclaimed releases: Rahsaan Patterson (1997); Love and Stereo (1999); After Hours (2004); Wines & Spirits (2007); The Ultimate Gift (2009); and Bleuphoria (2011).
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Rahsaan related his painful, personal history of abuse in an interview with Essence magazine. He has released a new single, "Don't Touch Me," for RAINN, the national Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, which was co-founded by another famous recording artist - Tori Amos.
It's really, really hard for me to hear about horrible pieces of my childhood idols' personal lives (which is one reason I don't go actively looking for such info). That being said, I think this is incredibly important, and I'm glad Rahsaan has found the personal strength to step into this role as spokesman and ambassador. There aren't many men in this culture who will admit to being sexually abused, which is part of the reason why all of the horrible scandals are so horrible and scandalous :-/
Kudos to Rahsaan. It's nice to see my favorite KI alumni are doing their thing, doing it well, and doing it for a very worthy cause ♥
Source 1 | Source 2 | Source 3
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Apparently its only been around since 1994(!) I've known about it for almost 10 years, because a couple of my college friends were huge Tori Amos fans, and she was a huge, huge part of it when it first started.
I'm so sorry to hear that you have a history of sexual violence :-/
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1 | 2 (GIVES ME CHILLS EVERY TIME!) | 3 | 4 | 5 | (which he also sang on Star Search) | 6 | 7
There's so much more but yes. He definitely made me a Fan For Life at the tender age of 10, LOL.
(Sorry for the multiple edits - this is what happens when KI excitement and need to share hits, LOL.)
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His story was so painful but it's great to see he's overcome and working to make things better for other victims.
I was literally in shock when I first saw the alert for the story (and then it was pulled and reposted on the Essence site a week later...hmm...). It's like, of all the people, you know? But it's really awesome that he's managed to find peace with himself, and is actively campaigning to help others. I knew he was a great guy, but wow. This is a whole other level, you know?
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I do wish more ~celebs~ would use their powers for good instead of greediness. Maybe this is why (aside from Fergie) my faves tend to fall on the indie side of the spectrum, LOL.
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