NEW YORK — World Autism Awareness Day is an internationally recognized day on April 2 every year, encouraging Member States of the United Nations to take measures to raise awareness about people with autistic spectrum disorders, including autism and Asperger syndrome throughout the world. It was designated by the United Nations General Assembly resolution "62/139. World Autism Awareness Day", passed in council on November 1, 2007, and adopted on December 18, 2007. It was proposed by the United Nations representative from Qatar, Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al-Missned, Consort of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar, and supported by all member states.
In support of World Autism Awareness Day, media personality Shefik has joined forces with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winner Chris Jasper for a powerful autism awareness campaign, titled "I Strut for Autism". The campaign includes a star-studded music video for Jasper's song "Inside of Me". The song was originally a part on his 2001 spiritual album "Faithful and True" (https://goldcityrecords.com/product/faithful-true/), released on Jasper's label Gold City Records. The music video was produced and directed by Shefik, under his brand "Shefik presents Invocation", and the video features an impressive number of celebrities and notable personalities. Almost 100 highly decorated recording artists, Broadway stars, film and television actors, book authors, fashion designers, models, and even members of royal families came together for the making of this video and its cause for autism awareness.
If you are familiar with The Isley Brothers, then you know Jasper, who was an integral member of the group during the 1970s and 1980s — their gold and platinum years — from the album "3+3" (1973) to "Between the Sheets" (1983). These were the years when The Isley Brothers were a self-produced, self-contained group.
Jasper was primarily responsible for writing, arranging, and producing all of The Isley Brothers music during this time, including beautiful love songs such as "For the Love of You" and "Between the Sheets", as well as uptempo funk such as "Fight the Power". His arrangements and instrumentation as a classically-trained musician, along with his expertise on the keyboards and synthesizers, are the foundation of the legendary "Isley Brothers Sound".
When the six members of The Isley Brothers disbanded in 1984, Marvin Isley and Ernie Isley joined Jasper and formed Isley-Jasper-Isley. Without this crucial musical component, The Isley Brothers were no longer a self-produced, self-contained group.
Jasper brought his unique sound and musical talents to Isley-Jasper-Isley and topped the charts, singing lead vocals on "Caravan of Love" (1985), a song that was covered by English recording group, The Housemartins, an international #1 hit. "Caravan of Love" was also used in commercials, as part of a Dodge Caravan advertising campaign.
"I am honored to work with Chris Jasper on such an important project and to bring further awareness to autism," says Shefik. "His contributions to the music industry is legendary. Particularly, his iconic work with The Isley Brothers has influenced trends for decades."
The autism campaign itself is years in the making. In 2017, a fashion extravaganza was held in New Jersey, highlighted by the latest runway trends from top designers and local boutiques. Continuing as an annual affair under the name "Strut!", the event and its autism awareness activities went on to garner a tremendous amount of celebrity support, industry accolades, and community engagement. Shefik continues to serve as Master of Ceremonies for the event every year, a position he has held since its inception.
In 2018, Jasper graciously granted usage of his song "Inside of Me", as part of an immersive multimedia experience during the event. Attendees of the event were treated to an advance screening of the song's accompanying music video, which is now in widespread release starting today.
"Autism is such a very important cause," says Jasper. "I am happy to be able to contribute in some small way on behalf of these children who are a gift from God. As the words of this song convey, 'You see from Heaven what no one else can see. You know what's inside of me.'"
Proceeds from the "I Strut for Autism" campaign benefit the Morgan Marie Michael Foundation (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization) (https://shopsellstrut.ticketspice.com/morgan-marie-michael-foundation-benefiting-individuals-on-the-autism-spectrum), for individuals on the autism spectrum. The organization is listed in the directory of registered charities, under the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs (https://njconsumeraffairs.state.nj.us/public-charity-search-results/). The campaign is a conception of the organization's founders Alyssa Morgan Lego and Amanda Marie Witkowski, who not only lend their namesake to the identity of the organization, but also their compassion and vibrant drive.
"As the sister to my younger brother, Michael, who has special needs, I see firsthand the changes that must be made in our communities with respect to individuals with disabilities," says Lego. "As the co-founder of the Morgan Marie Michael Foundation, I am proud to work alongside my village to enhance the lives of those on the autism spectrum with appliances, opportunities, and channels for enhanced living. I am inspired by like-minded individuals like Chris Jasper, who strive to make our little corner of the world a better place for individuals like my brother."
"Autism is the fastest growing serious developmental delay in the United States," adds Witkowski. "In March 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that 1 in 54 children have autism nationwide. We must raise awareness and funds, as well as effect change toward inclusion, acceptance, and understanding."
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disability. Signs typically appear during early childhood and affect a person's ability to communicate and interact with others. ASD is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a "spectrum condition" that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. There is no known single cause of autism, but increased awareness and early diagnosis/intervention and access to appropriate services/supports lead to significantly improved outcomes.
Listed in alphabetical order, the music video for "Inside of Me" features the following people:
- Abe Fogle (Drummer and Musical Director)
- Adam B. Shapiro (Actor, HBO's " The Normal Heart")
- AJ Woodson (Editor-in-Chief, Black Westchester)
- Alex B (Recording Artist)
- Alexa Serafin (Model and Ambassador, "Strut!")
- Alvaro Alencar (13-Time Latin Grammy Award Winner)
- Alyssa Morgan Lego (Co-Founder, Morgan Marie Michael Foundation)
- Amanda Marie Witkowski (Co-Founder, Morgan Marie Michael Foundation)
- Annia Jaffa (Managing Director, Nyea's Party)
- Baroness Olga Papkovitch (Founder, PopImpressKA)
- Brooke Niemiec (Committee Member, "Strut!")
- Cameren Berry (Committee Member, "Strut!")
- Charlotte Olson (Model and Ambassador, "Strut!")
- Charles Valentino (Scarecrow, "The Wiz" - 1st National Tour (1978) and Broadway Revival (1984))
- Chäs Bronxson (CEO, M.O.U.N. Records)
- Chris Jasper (Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee and Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award Winner)
- Dan Vitale (Actor and Comedian)
- Dani O'Hara (Mistress of Ceremonies, "Strut!")
- Dani Penny (Model and Ambassador, "Strut!")
- Dominick Rienzi (Media Professional)
- Duane Gazi-White (Co-Founder and President, Re.new Artists, Imaging and Consulting)
- Eloisa Diaz-Sanz (Creative Consultant and Fashion Designer)
- Erica Stolte (Model and Ambassador, "Strut!")
- Gerald Alston (Grammy Award Winner and Lead Singer, The Manhattans)
- Giselle (Model, "Strut!")
- Frank McIntyre (Author)
- Freddie Jackson (2-Time Grammy Award Nominee)
- Haley Beauparlant (Model and Ambassador, "Strut!")
- Haley Smith (Recording Artist)
- Heather Rubel (Ambassador, "Strut!")
- His Highness Dr. Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe (Actor)
- His Royal Highness Prince Gharios El Chemor of Ghassan Al-Nu'Man VIII (Heir to the Ghassanid Dynasty)
- Ivanka Panasik (Model and Ambassador, "Strut!")
- James McCrae (Author)
- Janice Dempsey (Recording Artist and Multi-Platinum Songwriter)
- Jason Stuart (Actor and Comedian)
- Jayna Bush (Model and Ambassador, "Strut!")
- Kathy Sledge (Grammy Award Nominee and Lead Singer, Sister Sledge)
- Laura Singer (Committee Member, "Strut!")
- Laurneá (Grammy Award Winner)
- Laurence Juber (2-Time Grammy Award Winner)
- Luisa Díaz (Ms. Venezuela International 1999)
- M.C. El Bee (Recording Artist)
- Marco Pavé (Recording Artist and Social Activist)
- Mark Moore (Media Professional)
- McKenna Wolcott-Wind (Commentator, "Strut!")
- Melba Moore (Tony Award Winner and 4-Time Grammy Award Nominee)
- Melissa Oakes (Correspondent, "Strut!")
- Mokay Kamara (Business Executive)
- Mr. Every Day (Recording Artist and CEO, Past Life Entertainment)
- Myra Mrowicki (Honorary Model and Committee Member, "Strut!")
- N'Kenge (Actress, "Motown: The Musical" on Broadway)
- Nancy Gallo-Geyer (Model and Ambassador, "Strut!")
- Neal Bennington (Founder and Creative Director, Broadway Sings for Pride)
- Neddy Smith (Recording Artist)
- Paul Allen (Dallas County Buffalo Soldier)
- Paul Laurence (Recording Artist and Multi-Platinum Music Producer)
- Quindon Tarver (Recording Artist)
- Rachel Lorin (Recording Artist)
- Raquia Brewster (Model and Ambassador, "Strut!")
- Rashgene Gazi-White (Co-Founder and Vice President, Re.new Artists, Imaging and Consulting)
- Rickey "Slikk Muzik" Offord (Multi-Platinum Music Producer)
- Robert D. Siano, Esq. (Attorney)
- Sam Allen (Community Liaison Officer, City of Balch Springs, Texas)
- Satomi Hofmann (Actress, "The Phantom of the Opera" on Broadway)
- Sarah Dash (Legendary Recording Artist and New Jersey Capital City Music Ambassador)
- Sean K. Fitzpatrick (Photographer)
- Selene Ferdinand (Model and Ambassador, "Strut!")
- Sellah (Recording Artist)
- Shanna Marie (CEO, Mind Yard New York)
- Shefik (Media Personality and Master of Ceremonies, "Strut!")
- Siedah Garrett (2-Time Academy Award Nominee and Grammy Award Winner)
- Sipho Gumbo (Founder and President, Yangu Beauty)
- Sir Ari Gold (Recording Artist)
- Solo (Recording Group)
- Sophia Solano (Welcome Ambassador, "Strut!")
- Sydney (Model, "Strut!")
- Tawatha Agee (Lead Singer, Mtume)
- Taylor Swanger (Committee Member, "Strut!")
- Tianna Johnson (Model and Ambassador, "Strut!")
- Tito Puente, Jr. (Musician and Bandleader)
- Tony Terry (Recording Artist)
- William Goldstein (3-Time Emmy Award Nominee and Grammy Award Nominee)
About Shefik
Celebrating over 20 years in the entertainment and technology industries, Shefik (https://shefik.info) is an accomplished industry insider, who has appeared on MTV, SiriusXM, PBS, BET, network television, and in print media, as well as internationally on TRT World (Turkish Radio and Television Corporation, based in Istanbul, Turkey). He has held senior-level positions at many Fortune 500 companies and celebrated brands, including IBM, NBCUniversal, MTV World, Merck, Merriam-Webster, and Wolters Kluwer. A seasoned pro in social media with a career background as a Lead Architect and Senior Web Developer, Shefik is on the cutting edge of new media. As a videographer and producer, his work has been featured in television broadcasts and video productions for TIME magazine, The Washington Center, "Unsung" (TV One), and Broadway World. Additionally, his photography has been featured in print and online publications, such as Daily Mail (based in United Kingdom), Harvard Kennedy School Magazine, Playbill, and China Press. He is currently the Executive Producer and Host of the nationally syndicated radio show "Shefik presents Invocation" (https://invocation.co), which is broadcast on 22 terrestrial radio stations and frequencies throughout the United States, as well as the internationally syndicated video series of the same name, via Amazon and other notable outlets.
About Morgan Marie Michael Foundation
Morgan Marie Michael Foundation was established to assist individuals on the autism spectrum with opportunities, appliances, and channels for enhanced living. Supporting programs such as Life After 21, iCan iPad Learning Experience Gift Program, Sensory Gifting Program, and Inclusion Experiences, the foundation is #InspiredByTheDifference to make a difference. Morgan Marie Michael Foundation also supports like-minded organizations, such as Popcorn for the People, United by Autism, KultureCity, and Philadelphia Eagles Autism Challenge, because the work they do is incredibly important.
Media Contacts
Shefik
All Knight Access
+1 (914) 548-5033
shefik@allknightaccess.com
Toni Knight
All Knight Access
+1 (914) 645-4830
toni.knight@allknightaccess.com
Last Updated: May 30, 2021
