Foster Nest Change Agent Spotlight: Christopher Lemark
Posted 2/24/2020 by Foster Nest in Our Stories
Chicago’s own Christopher LeMark has been a voice in his hometown since 2000. Originally, he began his music journey as a CHH representative under the name Focus, which he would evolve into a playwright, a live concert producer and a public speaker. His music features a dialogue that encourages men and women who deal with rejection, identity and abandonment issues. His approach is unique, fresh and relatable. From pain, transition and triumph, he has a sound that resonates with the culture. Offstage, LeMark would suffer in silence from PTSD due to a traumatic childhood. After taking a break, seeking therapy, LeMark launched a new initiative in Coffee, Hip-Hop & Mental Health. The goal with CHHAMH is to encourage the community to unpack and rebuild their minds through clinical therapy.
Foster Nest recently spoke to Christopher on being a change agent and to share his story about navigating life to not let growing up In foster care define his "Who I Am” to inspire others. See what this inspiring man had to say below.
Tell me about yourself, personally and professionally?
I really enjoy cooking for people. I have a servant’s heart. I appreciate quiet time and I love watching movies. I am serious, but silly at times. When it comes to business I am extremely focused. I believe in the power of execution. We have to get the job done. No one outworks me. I’m always open to learn more.
What do you want to share about your story to inspire others?
For years I would suffer in silence, by hiding my depression, sadness, anger and suicidal thoughts. I grew up without having a relationship with my parents, abused, often locked in dark basements, eating from the garbage, shuffled through group homes and endured years of homelessness. My mind was in a lot of painful places and it was tough to sleep and be present. Even through all of that I made a decision to turn this pain into a super power. Seek therapy, mentors and growth from it all, so I could live a productive life.
What advice would you give your younger self or an adolescent in the childcare system?
It’s going to be okay. Stay pure, honest & think before you react.
At Foster Nest, we believe change agents are individuals who have been able to define who they are despite the obstacles they might have faced being raised in foster care to make a better life for themselves. They are an example for others to promote change and realize it's possible. As someone who has been through foster care, why do you believe you're a change agent?
I believe God has saved me, because he wanted to use me to help the powerless & voiceless. There are so many foster children who feel hopeless. I embody hope. It’s what drives me and I feel connected to this call to pull so many broken people out of hopelessness. I feel I have no choice. It’s what I was born to do.
How do you believe we can help foster youth and individuals to be on a better path to define their own “Who I Am” to avoid systematic predetermined paths?
We have to teach them that they have everything that they need on the inside of them. To never blame themselves for what has happen to them. We have to let them know that they are necessary & valuable despite what life has offered them. It’s beautiful on the other side. Just don’t give up.
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FosterNestInc Is Spotlighting Authentic Individuals Who Represent Great Examples Of Change Agents Who Have Not Let Growing Up In Foster Care Define Their "Who I AM"
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