Caribbean Artists Unite to Promote Life-Saving Blood Donations

Prince Forde, a cultural advocate from Barbados, and Keenan “Special” Bristol, a Guyanese-American artist, are leveraging their influence to address a critical health issue. Through their nonprofit organization, Music Brings Life, they aim to raise awareness about the urgent need for blood donations in Black, Caribbean, and Latino communities. This initiative was highlighted by Marie Driven, managing partner at the Brooklyn-based entertainment firm, PlaybookMG, during an interview on November 4, 2023.

The duo has partnered with the Sickle Cell Consortium and the Boys & Girls Club to launch a film screening tour of the documentary, “Students Are Heroes: A Sickle Cell Warrior’s Story.” This documentary focuses on the resilience of students and families affected by sickle cell disease, emphasizing how community action can lead to life-saving changes, particularly within the Caribbean diaspora. The tour commenced successfully at the Worley Brown Boys & Girls Club in Norcross, Georgia, and is set to expand to New York City and New Jersey in the coming months, with plans for a nationwide rollout in 2026.

Driven elaborated on the backgrounds of both artists. Prince Forde is not only the cultural producer and co-founder of the Caribbean Music Awards but also the Chief Operating Officer of Music Brings Life. His counterpart, Keenan Bristol, has been instrumental in collecting over 5,000 units of blood since 2009 through music-driven initiatives. Together, they are committed to educating Caribbean and Latino families about the significance of blood donation, especially in relation to sickle cell disease, which disproportionately impacts people of African and Caribbean descent.

This collaboration marks a significant cultural moment, merging creativity with community health advocacy. Driven stated, “Together, they are on a mission to educate and inspire Caribbean and Latino families about the importance of blood donation and awareness for sickle cell disease.” The initiative highlights the potential for artistic endeavors to drive meaningful change and foster community engagement in critical public health issues.

As the need for blood donations continues to grow, the efforts of Forde and Bristol serve as a vital reminder of the role that culture and community can play in addressing health disparities. Their work not only promotes awareness but also inspires action, demonstrating how music can be a powerful vehicle for change.