Prince Forde, a prominent Barbadian cultural advocate and co-founder of the Caribbean Music Awards, alongside Keenan “Special” Bristol, a Guyanese-American artist and activist, are leveraging their influence to drive vital health initiatives. They have launched a nonprofit called Music Brings Life, aimed at raising awareness about the critical need for blood donations within Black, Caribbean, and Latino communities.
On November 4, Marie Driven, the Haitian-American managing partner of the Brooklyn-based entertainment company PlaybookMG, shared insights about the initiative. The organization is collaborating with the Sickle Cell Consortium and the Boys & Girls Club to kick off a film screening tour for the documentary “Students Are Heroes: A Sickle Cell Warrior’s Story.” This project is designed to highlight the resilience of students and families affected by sickle cell disease and to emphasize how community engagement, particularly within the Caribbean Diaspora, can lead to impactful change.
The tour commenced successfully at the Worley Brown Boys & Girls Club located in Norcross, Georgia. It will continue to New York City and New Jersey, with plans for a nationwide expansion in 2026. Driven noted that both Forde and Bristol draw from deep Caribbean roots, which enriches their mission.
Prince Forde, whose background includes co-founding Caribbean Elite Magazine and serving as the COO of Music Brings Life, works alongside Bristol who has played a crucial role in this initiative. Since 2009, Bristol has spearheaded music-driven campaigns that have successfully collected over 5,000 units of blood, demonstrating the tangible impact of their efforts.
“This partnership aims to educate and inspire Caribbean and Latino families about the importance of blood donation and the need for awareness regarding sickle cell disease,” Driven stated. The disease disproportionately affects individuals of African and Caribbean descent, making this initiative particularly urgent.
Driven emphasized the significance of this collaboration, describing it as a powerful cultural moment where Caribbean creativity meets community health. By merging music, culture, and advocacy, Forde and Bristol are creating a platform that not only entertains but also serves a critical social purpose.
As they continue to engage communities, their efforts reflect an inspiring commitment to saving lives through advocacy and awareness. The intersection of the arts and health advocacy presents a model for how cultural initiatives can lead to meaningful change.
