Tisha Campbell Martin bravely revealed, in a new music video released this week, that she was raped as a young child, and that she has a letter of apology from the rapist, CNN is reporting .
In an August appearance on the talk show, The Daily Helpline , the 47-year-old Campbell-Martin revealed that, at age 3, she had been raped by a family member.
“I knew as a child that I did nothing wrong and that this wasn’t my fault. I have found forgiveness in the guilt that I might have had.”
As the Grio notes, Campbell also has a letter of apology , written by her rapist, which she keeps to this day.
“Dear Beloved Tisha, this apology has been in my heart and on my mind for decades. For decades there has been a grieving pain within me coupled with an unending shame for my past behavior …”
Tisha says she draws power from the letter because is shows that her rapist has admitted his guilt, and because it empowers her to move forward.
“The writing on my body and the man writing the letter [represents] the actual words of an apology letter I recently received from the person who violated me when I was 3 yrs old. By blessing me with the apology letter he allotted me the ability to be free and to forgive.”
In a new video, entitled “Steel Here,” Tisha wears some of the words of the letter, written across her chest. As MSN notes, the video itself is simple, yet powerful, with Tisha wearing alternating black and white dresses, butterflies landing on her face.
“I’m still resilient… I’m always gonna be here because I’m supposed to be here. I’m owning my existence. It’s a system of survival because I’m my only rival. Yes, I’m on a mission (put your seat belt on). I know I’m on assignment, the stars are in alignment. I’m ready for this!”
In a series of tweets, Tisha explained the symbolism in her video.
Video is abt forgiveness actual words r frm theapology letter I recently received frm theperson who violated me at3 https://t.co/z0UlVEMrLs
— Tisha4real (@TishaCampblMrtn) September 22, 2015
The color of the dress reps beauty and strength each dancer attached 2 me reps purging of anger, grudge, pain… https://t.co/0TyxngRitH
— Tisha4real (@TishaCampblMrtn) September 22, 2015
Tisha Campbell-Martin can be seen on Friday nights on ABC’s Dr. Ken .
[Image courtesy of: Getty Images / Frederick M. Brown ]
