The Book…Imagine a book with stories of nine amazing women, PLUS art and music customized to inspire and convey hope for women of all ages. Imagine a book uplifting and empowering all who have prevailed through challenging situations in life. So many emotions and so much hope – all packaged together. Open your eyes and hearts to Messages from The Heart – a multimedia experience capturing deep expressive feelings, releasing miraculous strength to hope. Read the stories, experience the art, and hear the music. Let your heart speak to your soul. This is Messages From The Heart (The Book Project).
The Messengers…Sheree Brown gathered a group of women from different walks of life, different faith journeys, and different challenges, but all of whom have touched her life in some way. We thank them for giving a window to their lives and their strengths. Old wounds, deep emotions, and vivid memories – all capture your heart as you read Messages From The Heart.
The Artwork…Despite the amazing talent gifted to Sheree Brown, there was more to go around in their family. As one of 10, she approached her immensely talented sister and artist, Celeste Brown, to create a fluid and artistic interpretation of the words on the pages and the music and songs accompanying them, in Messages From The Heart. The outcome – masterful. See for yourself as you peruse the heartfelt artistic expressions. Feelings and emotions pour forth from each image. Immerse yourself in it all as you read Messages From The Heart.
The Music…The music CD that comes with this book is an important component of the messages that are shared in these stories. The songs were carefully selected to convey a feeling of hope and triumph over the kinds of obstacles that life can present to us. As the stories progress, the music was designed to build and uplift. Sheree says, “When putting this collection of music together I chose songs from a compilation of old and new music, and worked with various producers and artists, established and upcoming. Most of the music is original.”
“This project made me think about the positive musical influences in my life, Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder, and Syreeta Wright. Minnie Riperton and Phoebe Snow were major influences also and it was such a pleasure to include a cover of one of Phoebe’s songs on this record.”
There were a number of individuals who were a part of the process to make this such a special project including; friend and fellow artist Patrice Rushen, the legendary Leon Ware, singer Jim Gilstrap, some of her family; daughter MayaNicol and son Revels, her nieces Ryan Pens and Sarah Lynne, and her nephew Kevin Thomas.
The Messenger’s Circle
“Thank you for your contributions, for it is your generosity that will help this project to soar and touch the lives of others, and I am forever grateful” – Sheree Brown
Damon Oliver
Todd Hawkins
Caroline Brown
Jaime Vogel
Stacie Johnson
Cathy Brown
Beverly LaCour
Oliska Batiste
Rodina Daniels
Laura Hardy
Robin Duncan
Marguerite Lathan
Pat Karotkin
Eloise Pasos
Debbie Livingston
Sherry Ann Dixon
Eldridge Aubry
Antonia Noguera
Stephanie Foreman
Eldridge Aubry
Mpingo Griffin
Steve Buckley
Gloria Davis
Ingrid Leon
Luwanna Bereal
June Lynch
Robyn Hastings
Barabara Barabino
Sabrina Revelle
Cheryl Blackwell
Douglass Revels Johnson, Jr.
Jackie Gichohi
Ruqayya Curtis
Syreeta Scott
Angelo B. Williams
Stephanie Gilder Moutra
Celeste Brown
Charisse Rideau-Alexander
Leatrice Tanner Brown
Javona Wright
Etan Boritzer
Janice M. McDonald
Kris Simms
Ethel Guntharp
Malik Chelette Sydney
Leslie Marie Aymar
Renee Givens
Latasha Black
Terri Theodore-Williams
Salonge Wall
Denise Roundfield
Kristiana Hardy
Michael Ellington
Katrina Mercadel
Hamisi White
Kate Podegracz
Norma Mitchell
Erica Alicia Mitchell Gallo
Afrika Shaw
Norma Mitchell
Tiffany Swinson
Kim Brown Porter
Yvette Fields
Rochele House Sims
Shannon Mercadel
Norma Jean Jackson
Carole Harvey Keer Parker
Yolanda Smith
Joan Weks
Stacy Conover
Mrs. Rudi Eagleson
Jackie Gouche
Emily Taylor – Snell
Alma Bryant
Suzanne Afflalo
Doris Miller
Kathy Dudley
Ina Bryant
Melissa Shepherd
Gracie Brown
Stanley G. Lewis
Curtis Robertson, Jr.
Hal Fairchild
Michael Lewis
Robert Sausedo
Maxine McKenzie-materowski
Jan Edward Reese
Sibongile West
Michelle Poindexter Baeza
Jason Thompson
Donna Browne