The T.R.U.T.H. Project: K. DaPree, The Socially Inclined SoothSayer!

 Often when you hear the term "Social Network" you think of a social structure made up of individuals or organizations that are in some form connected through commonalities or similar interest. These relationships work together for the individuals and the social structure. I like to infer that these social structures will thrive based on the foundation in which it was created. For the sake of this blog, I will focus on earlier innuendos of Social Network, dating back to the 1800's. Sociologists argued that social groups can exist as personal and direct social ties that either link individuals who share values and belief or impersonal, formal, and instrumental social links. This says that we have a need to to socialize, its what makes us human. All to often we get so caught up in the "social networks" that we fail to hone those social ties to the point of healing. When individuals gather to celebrate, appreciate and share  those things that make us human, I think it would be safe to say, that being apart of a social network is in our best interest and the best thing to do. But...what if you are the social network itself, intricately operating, existing, simply to bring togther a group of individuals using their pain to heal themselves and others? I have found an individual, that is the source of the Ultimate Social Network, Mr. K. Dapree and that network is the T.R.U.T.H. Project which stands for Telling Real Unapologetic Truth thru Healing. Its a must that I tell you how this Social Network has grown into the Ultimate Social Network....Listen Up!!!

It was scorching HOT on an early Friday evening, and I arrived at the home of Mr. Kevin Anderson, socially known as K. Dapree. I was brought in out of Hell's imitation and greeted warmly...so much so, I kicked my shoes off and almost curled up on the couch. K. Dapree made me feel comfortable and right at home. After I was all settled in, I took a sip of my water, and just gazed in amazement at this marvelous being. This man has done wonderful things for the community. It is no wonder he, himself, has become the ultimate social network. First beginning, with He(Art) and Soul, a merging of the arts, where various artists of all walks come to share their talents, network and be spiritually fed, K.Dapree envisioned an intellectual alternative form of entertainment. From that vision grew a breeding ground of kindred spirits and creative juices.  He(Art) and Soul has become the sounding stage, for those creative souls, willing, driven, and pulled to share and inspire. K. Dapree tells me that in analyzing the progress of He(Art) and Soul, he found that he had created a platform for people to open up and talk about taboo and painful issues that in someway or another lead to healing and moving on. In the midst of He(Art) and Soul's growth, he had another visionary idea that was written on a sticky note at work, and said "T.R.U.T.H. Project. K. Dapree states that he didn't have any idea what that meant, but realized at a later date that he put periods behind each letter, and then one day it hit him: Telling Real Unapologetic Truths thru Healing. This would be an exclusive arena for healing through arts, through expression. Six months later it has become that and more.

The T.R.U.T.H Project launched on June 24th, 2011. Its healing theme was Abuse and Discrimination. The next T.R.U.T.H Project will be on September 17, 2011 at the Kaplan Theater on the campus of the Jewish Community Center. 5601 S. Braeswood. The theme in September will focus on Bullying and Stigma. September's project features Buttafly Soul and Ken J. Martin along community artists including L.I.G.H.T (Spoken Word Artist/Educator), Donnie(Dancer),  Urban Souls Dance Company 2, Venita (Body Artist) and Ms. Pinky (Poetess). The T.R.U.T.H Project is a structured event, that highlights Feature/Celebrity Presentations, Community Artists, and the Open Mic; for those making the decision to heal because of something they heard or experienced at any of K. Dapree's events. The artists create original work centering around the theme. What makes this the Ultimate Social Network is that all of its members are expressing for the common good of every eye that sees and every ear that hears. K. Dapree, says this isn't a competitive platform, rather a great formation of alliances and collaboration.  Having been a patron of anyting K. Dapree, I have witnessed first hand artists networking, coming together to serve each other effortlessly. Witnessing the connections is what makes this worthwhile for K. Dapree.

As I sat there hanging on to every word, made by one of the most talented, creative men I know, it was hard for me to find exactly where to end the interview. Listening to him speak is like listening to a poetic love song on a Saturday morning, while cleaning your home with the windows up, rollers hanging and feet dancing. K. Dapree ends our interview with this: "Remain in your TRUTH, dont hold on to things we arent responsible for and let it out...preferably creatively. EXPRESS IT and SPEAK YOUR TRUTH!"

"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"