Brettney Young Memorial Fund
A nonprofit fundraiser supporting
Institute for the Musical ArtsThis fund supports young women of color and their well-being through arts programming.
$12,136
raised by 63 people
$10,000 goal
Reflections 2021
She had said part of what she had to say, but there were other words burning inside of her so I wonder, as she takes her place in the great beyond, was she supposed to say it all or just put the lights on so that someone else might now step from the wings and continue the dialogue…Give her her immortality, for it was justly earned in a never ceasing no man’s land where living is only easy in song.
~Imani Perry, The Radiant and Radical Life of Lorraine Hansberry, 2018
This passage struck me because I know Brett shared this fiery essence. And, Brett, too, has earned their place in immortality. Their powerful words, their fierce and fun art, their love for justice, and their bright spirit remain close to me. They are close to all of us who loved them. In 2018, Brett wrote this post on Facebook (one of the places I visit when I am really missing them), “If you claim radicalism, behave radically. Communicate radically. Love radically. Fight radically. It's all just an illusion if you don't. And if you fail, accept it radically, and keep trying.” These wise words serve as a beacon of light for me to continue the dialogue about mental health and the role that the arts can play.
It is hard to believe that is has been nearly two and half years since Brett left this realm. I am thankful that they still visit me in my dreams and inspire me to seek peace and compassion with a fierce commitment to social justice. We have been raising funds in your honor and supporting women, girls, and non-binary folks of color with the goal of establishing a program at the Institute of Musical Arts. We have raised $40,000 to date and hope to raise another $10,000 this year. Last summer, Last summer, we used a portion of the Brettney Young Memorial Fund to host a one-day retreat for eight women of color at the Institute of Musical Arts. On the beautiful land in Goshen, we spent the day sharing our ideas and experiences with wellness and creativity. We have also used a portion of the funds to support an individual this year.
Glenn and I are once again offering a family matching grant of $5000 to help us meet our goal. Please consider making a gift of any size this holiday season.
Dear Friends and Family,
I created the Brettney Young Memorial Fund at the Institute for Musical Arts (IMA) one year ago because I recognize the profound impact IMA had on Brett’s drive to be a creative force in the world. This fund supports the institute’s ongoing efforts to teach all aspects of music to girls and young women and will underwrite scholarships, programs, and recording projects that directly serve the creativity, healing and well-being of young women and gender non-conforming people of color. In September 2020, we held a visioning retreat on a beautiful fall day at IMA in Goshen, Massachusetts. The group of eight women of color who gathered will build a program that will launch in 2021.
As a teenager Brett, whose pronouns were “they/their,” attended IMA’s residential summer music programs and maintained friendships with students, faculty and staff over the next decade. They resonated with IMA’s values which emphasize seeking one’s inner truth and using creativity as a tool for transformation. The love and guidance received from IMA co-founders and formidable mentors Ann Hackler and June Millington made a lasting imprint on Brettney. IMA, lovingly referred to as “the magical Queendom,” is a place in rural Western Massachusetts where girls and young women have permission to be who they are without pressure from the outside world. In short, they are encouraged to take up space in whatever way feels natural to them, a message still all too uncommon in our society.
Our goal is to raise $12,000 this year and continue growing this fund. Your gift will ensure that girls and young women of color can continue to pursue music as a tool to build confidence and to claim the power of their voices. In the words of Ann Hackler, at IMA girls and young women learn how to “power up (a sound board), plug in (their instruments), and put their voices out there.” Your contribution will ensure that this simple yet powerful work will continue.
Sincerely,
Dr. Priscilla Maria Page