Menu

Vivian Green: “It Took Me 12 Years To Finally Do This”

Vivian Green
Vivian Green’s forthcoming album, VGVI, drops October 6, 2017.

When Vivian Green’s sultry vocals hit the scene in 2002, her debut single, “Emotional Roller Coaster,” became an instant classic. Since then, the Philly-born singer, songwriter, and actress has successfully rode the ups and downs of the entertainment industry. Her sixth studio album, VGVI (pronounced vee-gee-six), will be released on October 6. Beyond the music, one of her greatest roles for the last 12 years has been being a mother to her son, Jordan Green, who is special needs.

“My son was born with an unknown syndrome that affects his bones,” Green shares in a new PSA video for the #IamDifferentIamHuman campaign.

“He’s 12 years old now, which is amazing because they told me he would not live past a week. They also told me he wouldn’t be able to do all the things that he can do.”

Featured on BlackDoctor

Green’s organization “I am different, I am Human” brings awareness to the 57 million people in the U.S. who have a special need or disability.

In the video, Green shares that one of the things that has impacted her most as Jordan’s mother is the fact that he’s such a normal kid, despite the reactions that he receives from others in public.

“People look at me and they wonder why I’m different,” Jordan says in the PSA.

WATCH: Vivian Green in I Am Different, I Am Human PSA

Even in this day when people who have special needs or a disability make up nearly 20 percent of the U.S. population there is still stigma, pointing, staring and ridiculing when they go out into public, explains Green.

Vivian Green
Vivian Green/Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images

“Most times I will say it’s more smaller children that do it and I think it’s a raw reaction from kids because kids are gonna be kids. But, if they were only taught to have a different reaction I believe strongly in my heart that they would.”

Jordan doesn’t wish to be the same as all the other kids.

“I wish that kids can know how it feels to be different,” he says.

The campaign, Green hopes, will make parents and their children aware of this amazing population of people who are different from them, but who are absolutely human.

“It took me 12 years to finally do this but I’m so glad I’m doing it now,” says Green.

On the heels of her album release, you can catch Green on tour in the cast of the stage play,“Two Can Play That Game.” The play is an adaptation of the original film and also features Vivica Fox, Gary Dourdan, Columbus Short, Porsha Williams, and Carl Payne.

Listen to Vivian Green’s latest single, “I Don’t Know” on SoundCloud.

Related Stories
Answer the question below
What actions have you taken regarding your leaky heart valve?

Get our Weekly Newsletter

Stay informed on the latest breakthroughs in family health and wellness. Sign up today!

By subscribing, you consent to receive emails from BlackDoctor.com. You may unsubscribe at any time. Privacy Policy & Terms of Service.

More from BlackDoctor

Where Culture Meets Care

BlackDoctor is the world’s largest and most comprehensive online health resource specifically for the Black community. BlackDoctor understands that the uniqueness of Black culture - our heritage and our traditions - plays a role in our health. BlackDoctor gives you access to innovative new approaches to the health information you need in everyday language so you can break through the disparities, gain control and live your life to its fullest.
✦ AI Search Disclaimer
This AI-powered search tool helps you find relevant health articles from the BlackDoctor.org archive. Please keep the following in mind:
✦ For Informational Purposes Only
The information provided through this AI search is for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
✦ Always Consult a Healthcare Provider
Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read through this search tool. If you have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
✦ AI Limitations
This search tool uses artificial intelligence to help match your queries with articles in our archive. While we strive for accuracy, AI-generated results may occasionally be incomplete, outdated, or not fully relevant to your specific situation.
✦ No Doctor-Patient Relationship
Using this search tool does not create a doctor-patient relationship between you and BlackDoctor.org or any healthcare provider.
Explore over 35,000 articles and videos across black health, wellness, lifestyle and culture
Full AI Search Experience >
×

Download PDF

Enter your name and email to receive the download link.

BlackDoctor AI Search