About My Project
I am a teacher and my purpose in life is to teach. My cousin, Chadwick Boseman once said:
“Purpose crosses disciplines. Purpose is an essential element of you. It is the reason you are on the planet at this particular time in history. Your very existence is wrapped up in the things you are here to fulfill. Whatever you choose for a career path, remember, the struggles along the way are only meant to shape you for your purpose.”
His words ring true to my heart and I think on him every day and carry his spirit with me. The project I am sharing with you is connected to my purpose. To teach.
This summer, I will be working with children in Ethiopia. I’m fortunate enough and truly grateful to have been invited to be a part of the Juneteenth Black Sounds of Freedom Festival. This will be my first time visiting the continent of Africa and I plan to have my mother be my travel companion for this once in a lifetime bucket list trip. While I am in Ethiopia, I will be working on a documentary. The working title of this project is A Global Village for Global Children. My plan is to reach millions of children and teach them simultaneously while I learn about a place that most of the world stems from, Africa.
My documentary is focused on children and based on a music and wellness cultural exchange. While I am in Ethiopia, I will be working with children to complete a song I am writing that is based on a wellness theme and is inclusive of the Amharic language. This will be the first of many songs that I will create with different children throughout the world that are connected to the black diaspora.
In the future, I’m looking forward to visiting places like Colombia, Jamaica, Ghana, and Kenya. My documentary will follow me to these places and capture me working with these children to help educate other children around the world. I can’t wait!
I think about my niece who is 6 years old. I recently asked her what she knows about Africa and she looked at me blankly and innocently said “nothing”. That’s the place where her ancestors are from. I need to change that. If you want to know more about this project and be a part of it and support it and follow me on my journey, make sure you follow me on Instagram to keep up with this project that is so dear to my heart and I hope begins to bring knowledge and healing to the world. I can’t do it without your support!
About Ms. Janis
My name is Janis. I am a GRAMMY® nominated artist and creator of Ms. Janis Music. I currently live in South Florida. I have been teaching music and movement to children for almost 20 years. I spent 15 years in NYC working with thousands of children before moving to South Florida. I am a licensed teacher with a double masters in Childhood education and Special education. When my cousin, Chadwick Boseman passed away, it impacted me deeply. From that moment, I made a vow to myself that I was going to go forward in life living my purpose no matter what. My purpose is to serve children through music, love and creative expression.
