Cincy musician becomes national anti-bullying activist

When Cincinnati native Keenan West released an EP on iTunes a few years ago, the intent was solely to do what he loved: make music. He had no idea that upon its release he’d embark on a journey as an anti-bullying activist.
 
But when one of West’s friends heard the lyrics to his song “Never Ever,” she immediately associated its message of hope, support and friendship with victims of bullying.
 
“A friend of mine had the idea of taking those lyrics to the song and making a music video to help raise awareness and money for people in regard to bullying,” West says. “I really initially didn’t know anything about bullying prevention, but that kind of started to open my ears to know a little more about what kids were struggling with.”
 
So West collaborated with students from Sycamore Junior High School to shoot and release a music video, then partnered with PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center — which receives 50 cents every time the song is downloaded — to learn more about bullying prevention.  
 
West says he saw the need for a different approach when it came to tackling the issue of bullying, so he started traveling the country, visiting about 100 schools per year, to deliver his anti-bullying campaign. His approach is unique, meshing pop culture with a positive message to reach students in a way that sticks.
 
He’s now partnered with Secret and its Mean Stinks program, which is dedicated to ending girl-to-girl bullying.
 
“With Mean Stinks, we’re all about putting the power back into the students’ hands,” West says.
 
One way that’s evident is through the most recent music video released, “Everybody Come On (It’s on Us),” which incorporates students’ advice — like complimenting a stranger — they’ve offered via social media.
 
“We inspire kids to show us how they’re doing nice acts of kindness at their school, and we have them share,” West says. “At our assemblies and through our campaign, we’re saying, ‘Let us equip you with how to respond, what to do, so you can take it upon yourself to step in.’” 

Do Good:

• Bring Keenan West to your school. No school is ever turned down because of budget issues. 

• Connect with @MeanStinks on Twitter.

• Check out Girls Guide to End Bullying, a free resource created by a team of researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital.