Since I can remember my life has been the sum total of three loves: a love for God the creator, a love for local everyday people who are the true artist, and a love for making music. My heart language through which I see the world is Gospel music. I know that all things were created through and for Jesus, and without him none of these things could exist. This art form of Gospel music is for the world, not just my culture or people. And I believe this about all art forms. For the past 8 years I have lived outside of the American context and this has forever changed. Although Western Europe and Southeast Asia are immensely different contexts, they speak the same truth to me: Respect, Protect, Connect. Wherever you go you must first learn the customs of the people with whom you are engaging. Learn what they value that you may then come to value it yourself. Once they realise they have an advocate in you who cares about their voice and lifestyle, you then earn the trust to share your values and customs with them. As an African American raised in the Black church I have a deep sense of identity and tradition. As a multiethnic worship leader I have the privilege and the opportunity to relearn how to listen and how to share who I am in such a way that it doesn't cost others their dignity. And lastly, as a traveling artist I've had the opportunity of sharing and inviting people from all different walks of life into my story(and vice versa) through the medium of Gospel music. With these three realities working together, I hope to play a creative role in our world that: 1)honours not only the social struggle of justice and equity of our past, but also the creative struggle for justice and equity of our past, 2)acknowledges the present dilemma of multi ethnicity and our need to relearn how to step into anothers story, 3) sows creative seeds of what the future could look like when both people and art are fully free(respected, protected and connected) for the glory of God.