Kids & Family

Marqui and Friends Promote Integration For Special Needs

Marquis "Marqui" Julien called upon some friends to help him spread the message of including people with special needs in society Thursday morning at the Nyack Farmer's Market on Main Street in Nyack.

The singer/songwriter performed with Camp Venture's "Rockademy" Band and the Nyack Studio Arts Program, which is sponsored by Jawonio, Inc. to use art-based therapy to help people with special needs fit in with their community. Julien, a native of South Central Los Angeles who lives in Nyack, works as a Day Habilitation specialist with the Nyack Studio Arts Program.

Together they performed "Music is Amazing," a song Julien wrote using comments from the developmentally disabled people he works with regarding how music is important to them. Near the end of the set, the group joined Julien again to sing "I am Abled," which was inspired by Julien's brother Moe, who is autistic. 

The music video for "I Am Abled" appears on the Autism Speaks website here. Julien said he wrote it in response to cuts in programs for people with disabilities in New York State.

Billy Batson introduced Julien. Nyack Mayor Jennifer White and actor Michael Rispoli also spoke at the event and singer Danielle Sheri Wasserman joined Julien for two songs.

To hear part of Thursday's performance, check out the video attached to this report. 


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