Childhood freedom. War. Displacement. A new country. Faith. Music. Organizing. Family. The story is not about a straight line — it is about continuing.
In 1999 life was good for Martin Toe, the son of an affluent family in Ivory Coast. That reality of happiness and certainty was devastated when news spread that rebel forces were making their way into town. In a twinkling of an eye, Martin was deprived of home and family, running to remain alive and forced into a life he never wished for.
Somehow, toughness and spirit enabled him to persevere even when every day seemed like it might be the final one.
The turning point was coming to America and starting fresh in a completely different place.
One of the earliest signs that music mattered came in second grade. At a Boys & Girls Club talent show, Martin freestyled. People liked it — and for the first time, other kids wanted to be his friend because of something he created.
Faith became real after a spiritual encounter in his room. Organizing became a calling later, when a friend invited him to a meeting and he felt in his heart that this could be a way to make real change.
His mother — a businesswoman who wanted to help people — remains one of his deepest inspirations.
Martin hopes to be able to fund the communities he has worked to protect through music and speaking.
Giving people truth — and for the way I made them feel.
Bringing the life we want to live into the now.
I hope they are inspired — and aspire to inspire others one day.