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De’jon Simons … The Story of A Burn ‘Survivor’

The Dejon Simmons Story.

De’jon Simons  (Author, Poet & Motivational Speaker) is a well-known Bermudian who has managed to overcome a horrific life-changing ordeal which left him with only a 5% chance of survival after he received third and fourth degree burns to 97% of his body. Because of this life changing event, he agreed to share his story with the world as he aided in the production of his tell-all documentary titled “The Dejon Simmons Story” which explores all aspects of his accident, his reaction, other people’s reactions and how he’s come to accept who he has become.
 
His great strength and determination exhibited in his documentary allowed him to inspire numerous amounts of people both locally and internationally which lead him to become the recipient of the 2005 Bermuda Sun’s Man of The Year Award. It was with this experience that he learned his true purpose. He recognized that he had an incredibly powerful message and was committed to sharing it.
 

De’jon writes on his facebook page, November 11, 2011.

Yesterday I spoke openly on the radio for two and a half hours about my situation for the first time ever. It was beyond invigorating. The radio host was crying, my PR agent was tearing up & even those just at the station looking in, but they wasn’t crying out of sadness. You see, when you bring some real to a person without any distractions or spin, the connection is unbreakable. But hearing people call into the station asking me questions, sharing their own struggles LIVE on air made me realize something. Who I am, what I write, and what I do is WAY BIGGER than me now… Realizing that, I was left with the thought of knowing ‘Memoirs of my Scars‘ is way bigger than just a book, it’s a connection …

Articles

De’jon began writing as a therapeutic outlet.

His writing has given insight and inspiration to others erasing the physical appearance of him while letting readers find an image through his words.

Ten years of agony and hardship has lead to De’jon’s first published book (December 14, 2011) consisting of an intimate collection of poetry – ‘Memoirs of My Scars‘ – that follows his path of self-acceptance and self-expression.

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The first piece, entitled “I Am Not My Skin”, introduces readers to his world of isolation and pain but the poem ends with the revelation that there is more to De’Jon than his outer appearance.De’Jon’s book has received reviews from the bestselling author of Bereolaesque: The Contemporary Gentleman & Etiquette Book for the Urban Sophisticate, Mr. Enitan Bereola II, and his ICU nurse from Shriner’s Children’s Hospital for Burn Survivors in Boston, MA. Mr. Bereola shared, “Love, hate, anger, confusion, contentment, tragedy, despair, hope, purity, honesty, authenticity, vulnerability – this isn’t a mere collection of words…this book purges understanding onto those who have none.” Nurse Maston of Shriner’s wrote, “One often wonders if there is any life worth living after such an event (the accident). This collection of poetry shows the reader that although there are many struggles after such an accident, there are also many joys to be had in life.” Ms. Maston went on to say, “The poetry is so well written that the reader actually feels what the author is feeling. I became so engrossed in what I was reading and although I found myself crying tears of sadness, there were also many tears of joy.”Since the accident, De’Jon has performed spoken word and has presented in Bermuda and the United States as a motivational speaker. Memoirs of My Scars is his first published literary works. His graphic design projects have been admired by many through flyers and artwork posted to Facebook. He has extended his talents to writing and creating riveting book covers for his upcoming book releases and other local books.
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Memoirs of My Scars was published by CKC BOOKS, Bermuda’s newest publishing company & can be found in e-book or paper back version @ amazon.com/Memoirs-of-My-Scars-ebook/… or lulu.com/shop/dejon-simons/memoirs-of-my-scars/paperback/…

Links

 

Making of @Clinark Tribute to Michael Jackson

“I am totally honoured by the support I have received on this work. Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 were a major influence and inspiration to me as I grew up. I, as was the rest of world, so saddened by his untimely death.

In May 2009 with the anticipation of seeing Michael in concert in London at O2 Arena, I was singing along to I’ll Be There, and my manager Juliet Edwards, suggested that I record the song. It was released just 4 days before Michael’s death in June 2009. I watched with the world as the tragedy of Michael’s passing unfolded and joined fans around the world in the condolences. On hearing that ‘Smile’ was one of Michael’s favourite songs, I recorded a version of the song too in Dec 2009. I was still devastated by Michael’s death but set about putting the optimism into the song and celebrating the contribution Michael made to this world.

By August 2010 I had so many requests from fans for more covers and was further moiré encouraged by DJ Musical Genius amongst many others. So in August 2010. I re-assembled my old album crew of great musicians who worked on my debut album ‘Journey to Foreign.’ So we went back to Stingray’s Big House Studio in London , with Dillie , Mafia & Fluxy, Stanley Andrew with the addition of Michael Martin for Heartbreak Hotel and I set about producing this new album ‘ Tribute to Michael Jackson a Legend and a Warrior. I hope you appreciate this tribute from my heart. Thanks to all those who have supported me in the works.

Thank you Michael Jackson for inspiring me with your excellent musical works and your dazzling performances. RIP Michael Joseph Jackson The Greatest Entertainer of All Time.”

By Clinark – “The Reggae Torch”


Footage below is from the creative process of recording and some of the mixing of Clinarks tribute to Michael Jackson a legend and a warrior album recorded at Sting Ray Studios In England with Mafia n Fluxy, Stanley Andrew and Carlton Dillie Mcleod  @ the mixing desk – “They Don’t Care About Us” and “Heal the World” song clips


Clinark – Bermudians.com/clinark

clinark-musician

 

Bermuda Reggae Documentary Trailer – Philando “Runksie” Hill Jr @Natureality4u

A history of reggae dance hall music in Bermuda

This is a story of the founders of reggae music in Bermuda and the Jamaican influence. Rastafarian culture, artists, bands, producers, promoters and sound systems whom are responsible for the longevity of the reggae music in the island of Bermuda. Interviews with the big and heavy contributors from the 1970’s to Now. Were going back to the beginning of the dancehall…. This is the foundation of the old school!

Artist, Acoustics, Bermuda Archives, Commercials, DJ’s,Dancehall, Dubplates, Entertainment, Interviews, Originality, Real Reggae Music, Selectors, Soundsystems, Skits, Stageshows, Remixes, Videos, NO CLONES NO PIRATES NO ISM’S

Runksie  facebook | twitter | myspace |  cdbaby | cduniverse

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  • Reggae Music in Bermuda Cultures 08/23/04 – Vejay Steede (link defunct) writesight.com/writers/nia/article.3676 

Chewstick Foundation – CITV Presentation @chewsticks @dcibermuda #Bermuda

CITV (Bermuda Government Television) video about the Chewstick Foundation in Bermuda.


The Chewstick Movement

Chewstick is the legendary Neo-Griot Movement born out of Bermuda in 2002. Dedicated to breaking down social barriers, providing opportunities for storytellers of every medium and committed to being a part of the solution. We use creative programs, events and initiatives to empower the individual and enrich the community. Chewstick is the frontline of change; attracting the most diverse, inclusive and exciting audience and participants to be found.

Respect. Freedom. Love. Truth.

 

Chewstick 

chewstick.org | Chewstick facebook page | facebook group | @chewsticks

 

Birth of a Trust – Bermuda History Through Music

Birth of a Trust: Our Cultural Identity” is a documentary about the history of entertainment in Bermuda seen through the eyes of many of the country’s most notable musicians. The film documents the evolution of local music scene from the big band era of the 1940s and 1950s, through the popular “Battle of the Groups” at the Rosebank in the late 60s and 70s, up to the dance hall clashes of today. It features local legends like Hubert Smith, Ghandi Burgess, Lance Hayward and Michael Curtis Clarke and highlights the accomplishments of present day artists like Ras Giorgis and now retired soundsystem “Playboy International”. The film also discusses how the music of the time reflected the social changes that were taking place at any particular point in our history; from WWII, to the volatile 60’s and 70s with the assasination of the Governor and the riots, and the 1981 general strike.

#Bermuda Music – Old School meets New School – Gavin Sundjata & Stan Seymour – @djatwitta

A mini-documentary by Milton Raposo & LookTV showcasing the emergence of iconic “new school” artist, Sundjata who aspires to be an authentic bridge to Bermuda’s early troubadors – represented by the island’s ranking “old school” musician, Stan Seymour.