David Britton shows inspiration through music
Uplifting beats and inspirational lyrics kicked off the fourth annual Central Michigan University's Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention week.
On Monday CMU alumnus David Britton returned to Mount Pleasant to perform "Music of Life and Hope."
“This was a great opportunity for me to remind myself and everyone else that we can use our talents to create positive vibes,” he said. “This was a great use of my gift to make an impact.”
This was the first music inspired event that the Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Organization has hosted.
“I think it will be a different method to share the message and start off the week on a good note,” said Illinois senior Anastacia Thomas. “I am really excited to see how a musical event can affect our motives and mindsets.”
Thomas, organization president, said the main goal of this week is to get people to talk about suicide and to de-stigmatize that discussion.
Britton and guitarist Tom Verellen played original songs from Britton’s personal music collection and as well songs that have been prominent in the past, such as “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King and “You’ve Got a Friend” by Carol King/James Taylor. All songs communicated the central purpose of encouragement and inspiration.
“I perform positive messages because I can relate to it. It comes down to how you look at life,” Britton said. “You can listen to some people say that ther is no reason or plan, but then where is your hope at? Life is about purpose. There is purpose in life.”
Sterling Heights senior Sasha Rudow attended the event and said she left realizing that life is bigger than just the everyday classes and meetings.
“Music is so powerful,” she said. “People get reached in different ways and the more outlets you have the more ways you can reach others around you.”
Also feeling at ease from the event, canton senior Taylor Eppler understood the messages and feelings from listening to the music.
“Music has such an emotional connection, it is a good way to touch people and make a difference,” Eppler said.
Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention faculty advisor David Opalewski, said that according to SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) suicide is the number one cause of death for college freshmen, and the number two death cause for all college students.
“We want to help people on this campus know that we care and are here to help,” Opalewski said. “One of our goals is to get rid of the stereotype that depression is a character flaw, it is a medical condition. By providing inspiration we can help ease that pain and let people know that suicide can be prevented.”
To listen to some of Britton’s encouragement visit www.davidpaulbritton.com.
