It
would be difficult to mistake the unmistakable voice of Michel’le Toussant in casual conversation. That’s because her seriously
high-pitched, squeaky voice rings with familiarity.
Now
if you’ve only heard Michel’le (pronounced MEESH-uh-lay) sing soul-stirring
rhythm and blues songs, you wouldn’t believe she is the owner of that spirited,
child-like voice.
The
duality of Michel’le’s voice is her claim to fame. However, those who know the
two sides of the Grammy-nominated vocalist and actress would also find it
difficult to believe that she is a domestic violence survivor.
Michel’le will share her story when she
keynotes the YWCA of Greater Memphis’ 20th benefit luncheon at the
Holiday Inn – University of Memphis, 3700 Central Ave., on March 8 at 12 noon.
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| Michelle Toussant |
Proceeds
will be used to provide services and shelter for women and children grappling
with domestic violence. More than $100,000 has been raised so far since the benefit luncheon’s onset
20 years ago.
“We have a
speaker each year and Michele’le has agreed to be our speaker this year,” said
Pamela Williams Kelly, board member of the YWCA and benefit luncheon publicity
chair.
“We
wanted someone who could speak to the issues, challenges and opportunities of
the women that we service each and every day,” said Jacquelyn Williams, YWCA’s executive director. “She
can speak to a lot of things that our clients are going through every day.”
“As a doctor, I know that domestic abuse is more
than a physical scar. It also affects the person emotionally,” said Dr. Sylvia Ritchie,
board chair of YWCA of Greater Memphis.
Michel’le’s “scars” were more than she could
handle, which literally forced her from the music scene after scoring such chart-toppers
as “Turn
off the Lights,” “Nticety” and “Something in My Heart.”
The songstress went missing from the limelight
for a while and returned as a reality TV star on R&B
Divas: LA from 2013 to 2015. The world would learn why Michel’le went
missing in
the October 2016 Lifetime made for TV
movie “Surviving Compton: Dre, Suge and
Michel’le.”
She tells the story of how she struggled with
substance abuse, financial uncertainty, and physical abuse by the fathers of
her children, N.W.A
founder, Dr. Dre and Suge Knight, founder of DeathRow Records.
Michel’le once attempted suicide years after
the physical abuse ended. She is not alone. There are countless women and men
teetering on the edge of suicide in a desperate attempt to end the constant
pain and abuse.
“By her coming and speaking to the audience,
which should include some clients of ours as well, hopefully she can leave a
message that they can take back and have their lives changed as a result,” said
Williams.
Domestic violence is a scourge that affects
tens of millions in the United States. Women suffer the most at the hands of their
intimate partner (1.3 million each year). Men are victimized too.
A lot of victims are afraid to come forward, Kelly added.
One in three women and one in four men have
been victims of some form of physical violence within their lifetime, the
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence has reported.
“At the YWCA, we are aware that our clients
need services that extend beyond medical care,” said Ritchie. “The community’s
support of this luncheon helps us to meet those needs.”
Service programs at the YWCA include a Domestic
Violence Crisis Line, Emergency Shelter, YWCA Memphis
Family Shelter, Victim Advocacy, Immigrant Women’s Services, Job Training, Community
Education, Racial Justice, and Childcare.
It has been a 97-year effort and commitment from
the YWCA to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom
and liberty for all. Ending domestic violence is the cornerstone of that
commitment.
Luncheon tickets are $100 and can be purchased online at https://ywcamemphisluncheon2017.eventbrite.com. For more information, call (901) 210-6551 or
(901) 320-6002.
