THE LINCOLN BROWN
FOUNDATION
How It All Started
Dear Guests, my official and artistic name is Lincoln Brown, a singer, entertainer, songwriter, and the founder of the Lincoln Brown Foundation, registered in Ghana on February 10, 2014. I am originally from Jamaica and have been residing in Austria since I departed from my beloved homeland.
I take this opportunity to share the extraordinary story of how and when my life purpose was revealed to me, leading to the creation of the Lincoln Brown Foundation.
Chapter 1
Jamaican people are deeply aware that Africa is their ancestral homeland, especially many Rastafarian reggae artists, whose music reflects this connection through themes about Africa
As a Jamaican, I always wanted to visit Africa, but my interest grew while sharing an apartment with a Ghanaian in Vienna, Austria. Through him, I decided Ghana would be my first destination on the continent. In 2008, shortly after I decided to visit Ghana, a woman from Ghana reached out to me online with a photo and asked to be friends. I had never been interested in making friends on social media before, but since I planned to visit her country, I accepted her request.
Two months later, she shared a sad story about her family and her desire to finish her education. She asked for help, so I began sending monthly tuition payments. About eight months later, she introduced a man she claimed was her cousin, who also asked for financial support, which I provided in small amounts.
She had spoken often about how excited she was to show me around Ghana. But when I finally planned my visit, she suggested meeting in a neighboring country for safety, citing her uncle’s disapproval. Looking back, signs of deceit had already appeared before I realized I had been scammed. It was difficult to understand why someone I was helping would deceive the very person supporting them in getting an education. As a result of this incident, I decided to travel to Ghana and present the case to the police.
Chapter 2
After arranging my travel to Ghana in 2009, my roommate asked a friend, a pastor, to assist me during my visit. The pastor informed the scammers I would arrive four days earlier than expected, so the police could plan an intervention.
On the day they were supposed to meet me at the airport, a female undercover officer was ready to act, but the scammers never appeared.
The following day, the pastor and I then visited the address of the woman I had helped sent to me, located in Alajo, one of Accra’s poorest communities. We found only a church and no one we asked knew this woman. We then went to the post office to make inquiries, and a staff member vaguely remembered the packages I had sent and the woman who had collected them, but did not know anything else about her
Exiting the post office, I observed the area and told the pastor my desire to return one day to make a positive impact on the community — to provide housing and create an institution that teaches parents and children good human qualities. I believed this initiative would open opportunities for their children and give them a better future. In that moment, I felt a real sense of purpose. My disappointment transformed into joy, and today it feels as if that experience was a revelation of my calling — a piece of a larger puzzle that continues to unfold to this day.
Chapter 3
Filled with energy for this newly discovered assignment, I began exploring Accra, traveling by taxi and Tro-Tro buses, meeting people from different walks of life. I was struck by the kindness and politeness of Ghanaians, especially the women. Small gestures of generosity were often met with immense gratitude. A generosity that, unfortunately, can make some vulnerable to exploitation by those with ill intentions
One day at the Kaneshie market, one of the largest in the city, a woman in her late thirties approached me with an empty basket, and courteously asking for a few cedis to help carry my purchases. Being moved by her politeness, I consented and asked her if this is what she does to make a living; she replied saying yes. She subsequently placed the items into her basket and transported them to a nearby taxi stand. After she loaded the goods into a taxi, I asked her how much I should compensate her for her assistance. In my view, the amount she specified was insufficient. Nevertheless, I had already intended to offer her more than what she requested. Regrettably, I then realized that I did not possess enough local currency, so I handed her a US $10 bill.
I find it difficult to articulate the immense happiness I felt upon seeing the joy this lady expressed She subsequently informed me that she had never encountered anyone displaying such a level of generosity towards her before, prompting her decision to close for the day and return home. A profound sense of sorrow enveloped my heart, and tears welled in my eyes upon hearing her words. Had I possessed additional cash, I would have gladly offered her at least US$50 more. It is essential for everyone to recognize that the most significant accomplishment one can achieve in life is the ability to demonstrate kindness and generosity towards those who are less fortunate.
Witnessing her happiness reinforced my belief that true achievement comes from showing kindness to those less fortunate. Ghana, like other regions of the globe, has its share of challenges. Conversely, the immense potential within this nation, coupled with the warmth of its people, inspired me to exert greater effort in fulfilling my mission to assist the less fortunate.
Chapter 4
Within a short time, it became clear that using my music to raise funds was the only feasible approach to achieving my objectives. Yet I questioned how I could accomplish this without financial resources, as I am neither a prominent artist nor do I possess any chart-topping songs. Although some uncertainties lingered, my commitment to this mission of aiding the underprivileged intensified daily, instilling hope within me. I asked myself: could it be that God used my unfortunate experience as a victim of a scam to reveal my purpose?
Upon returning to Austria after my third visit to Ghana, I conceived the idea of writing a commercial song that would express my admiration and positive feelings for Ghanaian women. I wrote a song titled Ghana Girls, hoping it would have the potential for success in the global market and create opportunities to fund my mission in Ghana.
During the process of composing the song Ghana Girls, I realized the importance of incorporating elements of Ghanaian music and culture into the final production. Consequently, I traveled to Ghana to conduct the demo recordings, which I accomplished within the same year.
It is important to note that I began writing Ghana Girls during my initial visit to Ghana. After completing the final recordings, I realized there were still numerous valuable insights about this country for me to discover.
Once again, I found myself back in Ghana, and one of my first meetings was with a radio DJ whom I had previously encountered. He recommended a potential collaboration with a young artist who owned a recording studio. I met with the artist at his studio, and we promptly agreed to begin our collaboration.
During the production process, the artist proposed incorporating a few lines from the three most prevalent local languages into the original lyrics of Ghana Girls. I permitted him to proceed, including the interpretation of these lyrics within the song. To my satisfaction, he executed this exceptionally well.
Chapter 5
Arriving back in Austria, I was highly motivated by my newly discovered purpose and the fulfilling demo production of the song Ghana Girls; however, my next steps remained uncertain.
Although I have always harbored a desire to assist those in need, I had never envisioned initiating a social project in this manner. Yet, I found myself facing a demanding challenge that I had become deeply passionate about, despite lacking the necessary resources. Nonetheless, I resolved to utilize everything available to me and give my utmost effort. As I worked toward progress, I began to observe remarkable events unfolding in my life—occurrences that were largely beyond my control.
I have come to realize that whenever I conceive an idea and pursue it, it often leads to new opportunities that propel me forward. I consistently maintain my enthusiasm and rarely feel the desire to dwell on present or future challenges. Despite encountering numerous obstacles, I persist in my search for solutions, and in moments when everything seems on the verge of collapse, something extraordinary always occurs to help me move forward.
Indeed, I have always been the type of individual who refuses to surrender in the pursuit of what I believe to be life’s true purpose. However, I recognize that without the wisdom, strength, and guidance of God, I would be unable to confront these challenges. Furthermore, I have come to understand that no accomplishment in this world holds genuine significance without a relationship with God
Chapter 6
I have known a music producer for a considerable period, who resides in Los Angeles, California. One of my primary goals, therefore, was to gather sufficient funds for him to produce the final recordings of the song Ghana Girls. The only feasible way for me to secure the necessary financing for production was to dedicate all my efforts to organizing as many live performances as possible. It had only been four weeks since my return to Austria from Ghana, yet it did not take long before the next miracle unfolded.
One evening, as I lay in bed, a surge of creative ideas struck me, prompting me to compose new songs. I grabbed a pen and paper, and without any difficulty, I penned the lyrics for the choruses of three songs and recorded the melodies using my phone. In just a week, I have written seven new songs. It was an unprecedented experience in my songwriting journey.
What makes this situation even more remarkable is that my only viable means of securing funds for my music production was through live performances, which would have required some time to generate income. Yet, merely two weeks after creating these songs, I successfully attracted investors who were so impressed by my songs that they agreed to fund not only Ghana Girls but also all seven songs I needed to complete my debut album.
Chapter 7
Two weeks after signing an agreement with the investors in 2013, I traveled to Los Angeles to meet the producer and begin the production of my first album. On our first day in the studio, we exchanged ideas, established a schedule for the week, and discussed significant matters related to the recordings. Additionally, we confirmed that the track No One But You would serve as the album’s title choice I had made the moment, I composed the song.
After several days in the studio, the producer developed a fondness for the songs. As he stated, he recognized the potential for at least one of them to become a hit record.
His awareness of the songs’ potential inspired even greater creativity and involvement in the production process. The producer appeared emotionally engaged during the recording of the tracks, which positively influenced his commitment to delivering his best work.
Regarding my role as a co-producer, I collaborated with him by sharing creative ideas that he found beneficial. The studio atmosphere was enchanting during my vocal recordings. I cannot fully articulate what transpired, but I was able to sing beautifully with minimal challenges and completed the tracks in a short amount of time. The songs’ potential and the positive energy in the studio were crucial in overcoming any obstacles we faced during production.
The day after completing the recordings in Los Angeles, I boarded a flight to Miami, Florida, to meet one of the members of the famous Jamaican reggae band, Inner Circle. Before I began my studio sessions in Los Angeles, he had assured me that I could use their personal studio and engineer for the final mixing of my album tracks at a remarkably low cost.
The producer arrived two days later at the studio and was present throughout the final mixing. It took the engineer seven days to complete the mix, and immediately afterward, I flew to New York to have the album mastered. The Mastering engineer did a fantastic job and loved my songs. Everything went smoothly. Approximately three days later, I flew back to Austria.
Chapter 8
Once again, I found myself in Austria after another extensive journey, this time with the completed production of my debut album, No One But You, A Significant Advancement. Out of the twelve tracks on this remarkable album, I had composed nine, which significantly enhanced my opportunities to raise funds for my mission
A remarkable accomplishment—but now, what’s next?
It was evident that I still had a considerable journey ahead of me. However, the difficulties and challenges I had encountered seemed to have endowed me with greater wisdom and resilience to confront new obstacles.
Having achieved something substantial, I felt it was time to embark on another trip to Ghana. Nevertheless, I believed it was essential to adopt a more professional approach during this forthcoming visit. Drafting a clear plan of action became crucial, and I completed it within a week.
Chapter 9
In 2014, upon my return to Ghana, I engaged with officials holding management roles at the Ministry of Housing and various governmental departments. During our meeting, I presented my plan, and they expressed significant admiration for my mission, consequently demonstrating a willingness to offer their support.
Although I did not receive any direct assistance from these departments, the interest they expressed in my project was a key factor that motivated me to continue at that time
As I reflect on my current position, it is clear why it was important to wait on God’s timing. I had no idea that there was so much to learn—lessons that were far more important than rushing to achieve the goal. Being well prepared for the challenges ahead was crucial to accomplishing my mission. This preparation equipped me to take this difficult path, to learn to serve, to always humble myself, and never to give in to pride.
The objective of this mission is to support the vulnerable. Therefore, it was essential to dedicate more time to understanding the real challenges faced by the less privileged, enabling the identification of the most effective solutions to assist them.
During one of my previous trips to Ghana, I had encountered an employer at the Ghana Investment Promotion Center, which prompted me to reach out to him this time. We subsequently arranged a lunch meeting along with one of his colleagues.
The meeting took place at a five-star hotel in Accra. During our discussion, they recommended that I establish a foundation, which is how the idea came into being. I was not acquainted with the workings of a foundation, so I simply followed their guidance.
As we brainstormed potential names for the foundation, one of us proposed using my official and artistic name, Lincoln Brown, and we all agreed that this was the most suitable choice.
Chapter 10
Now that we had a name for the foundation, they offered to accompany me to the Registrar General the next day to have the foundation officially registered, and so we did. Ten days later, I received all the registration documents.
My flight back to Austria was scheduled two days after receiving the registration certificates, and I was ready to depart. At least, that was my belief — until unexpected events began to unfold.
The two men who assisted me with the registration invited me to their office. During my visit, they informed me that I would need to extend my stay in Ghana due to the need for legal assistance. They assured me they would do everything in their power to provide me with the best possible support.
After leaving their office, I continued to contemplate my next steps. I had planned to return to Austria, resume my performances, and continue moving forward gradually. Nevertheless, I decided to reach out to several professionals I am acquainted with in Austria and other countries to gather their insights and potential support. All of them welcomed the concept and regarded it as a commendable initiative, encouraging me to proceed. They also mentioned it could benefit my music career, but I never considered that aspect for even a moment. My sole intention was to assist those who are less fortunate.
Chapter 11
To prolong my stay in Ghana for legal assistance, I had to modify my return flight itinerary and cancel previously confirmed appointments in Austria. One such meeting that required rescheduling was with a physician I had known for five years, who was an admirer of my work. During our phone conversation, we also discussed the Lincoln Brown Foundation, and he expressed his support for my mission.
The doctor requested details regarding my immediate plans, so I shared the current challenges I encountered. His enthusiastic response was a significant surprise to me. It felt like another miracle when he conveyed his admiration for my mission and assured me of his support.
At this point, you may have noticed that despite the challenges I have encountered, there always seems to be a positive occurrence at the right time, helping me progress to the next level. Do you have any insights into this? To me, it was a sign of divine favor; however, to truly experience this, one must cultivate a strong faith in God, live by that belief, seek His guidance, and possess a great deal of patience.
I selected a female lawyer in Ghana at random from the internet, and after a brief phone call, we scheduled a one-hour consultation. Throughout our discussion, she listened to my music and reviewed my Plan of Action. Like many others, she appeared to be moved by my story and mission. Subsequently, she offered to support me for a period without any additional charge to assist in the development of my project.
The emotions one may encounter when uncovering a life purpose capable of creating a meaningful and beneficial influence on humanity are genuinely rewarding.
Chapter 12
The attorney clarified that with the foundation’s registration documents in hand, I should apply for a work permit and a resident visa for Ghana. This was yet another significant surprise for me, and I expressed to her that I had no desire to live or work in Ghana. However, she insisted that if I genuinely wished to pursue this project, it was essential. She directed me to the immigration office to submit my application.
The following day, I visited the Immigration office, completed the application forms, and paid the necessary fees. The immigration officer informed me that the processing would take approximately ten business days, but they would try to expedite the process for me.
As I awaited the documents, I realized I needed to occupy myself with something productive for my mission. Consequently, I considered the possibility of producing a low-cost video featuring the song “Ghana Girls,” which would showcase some of the stunning scenes in Ghana. Before discussing this idea with the doctor, I opted to conduct some research to formulate a precise budget plan. During my travels and inquiries, I noticed that when people learned about the mission I intended to undertake, nearly everyone was willing to offer me at least a 50% discount, and some locations even granted us free access. After finalizing the budget, I presented it to the doctor, who agreed to support me in creating the video.
Throughout the video production process, I discovered some of the most breathtaking sights in Ghana, and I found myself questioning why the world isn’t aware of these remarkable places.
Conversely, I must express that I also witnessed some sorrowful and distressing scenes.
For instance, I observed young girls resting with their children in front of small shops, facing a bleak future for both them and their offspring. I recalled standing there once, observing them, and it amused me because they perceived me as eccentric for watching them. Unfortunately, they were unaware of the thoughts racing through my mind. At that moment, I was contemplating that if I had the necessary resources, I would promptly assemble a professional team to secure them a suitable place to reside and assist them in creating a better future for themselves and their children. I pondered why someone like me, who is so eager to effect positive change, lacks the financial means to do so. Conversely, if I were to possess substantial wealth, I likely would not be present to witness this.
Summary
Having reflected on all that I have witnessed and learned in the past years, achieving success with my music at this moment would be ideal, as I have identified a meaningful cause to which I can contribute financially. Now I comprehend the reasons behind the need to endure the intolerable challenges I have faced. If anyone not only grasps the subsequent list of qualities but also endeavors to embody them and instruct your children, as well as other children, to practice them, then you will begin to realize the essence of life. Subsequently, you will awaken to the understanding that there is indeed a God who loves us and desires for us to demonstrate this love to one another.
PRACTICE THE FOLLOWING QUALITIES EVERY DAY, ALLOW YOUR CHILDREN TO DO THE SAME, AND WITNESS THE IMPACT YOU CAN HAVE ON THE WORLD
- Courage
- Trustworthiness, including honesty, reliability, punctuality, and loyalty
- Integrity
- Respect and courtesy
- Responsibility, including accountability, diligence, perseverance, self-management skills, and self-control
- Fairness, including justice and freedom from prejudice
- Caring, including kindness, empathy, compassion, consideration, patience, generosity, charity, and interpersonal skills
- Good citizenship, including patriotism, concern for the common good and the community, responsible decision-making skills, and respect for authority and the law
- Gratitude
- Take pride in adhering to the teachings of our God
I have now reached the conclusion of this chapter in my story, yet there are numerous additional stories I am eager to share with you soon.
Websites:
- www.lincoln-brown.com
- www.lincolnbrownfoundation.org
Email:
- info@lincolnbrownfoundation.org
Follow Me
- Facebook: Lincoln Brown Artist
- Instagram: @lincolnbrownfoundation
- YouTube: Alphanso Music
- LinkedIn: Lincoln Brown
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Thank you,
Lincoln Brown
Lincoln Brown
Foundation
Experience the Joy
of Helping Others
Contact Us
- Address: Vienna, Austria
- Email: info@lincolnbrownfoundation.org
- Phone: +43 664 638 8731
- Address: Vienna, Austria
- Email: info@lincolnbrownfoundation.org
- Phone: +43 664 638 8731