Meet Keeper Carann-Whitney | Author, Speaker & Kick-Activist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Keeper Carann-Whitney and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Keeper, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
Growing up in the inner city in a family of eight children, six of us eight were molested as children, my older brother and I by our baby sitter and my four sisters by old stepfather, it was essential I share my story. It took me forty years to come to grips with my failing for my sisters, knowing I almost murdered my stepfather and the years it took for me to confront him and bring closure for my sisters finally. The lessons for my children and all victims, no matter your age, it is never too late to speak and speak about child sexual abuse, especially if you are the victim. It is never too late to claim your power. There is no mechanism in place for our suffering for me and all men, no one for us to talk to, no one to help us with our burden, especially when we learn about our sister being molested. It is such a heavy burden of failure once we learn about our sisters being molested, so it vitally important we speak up and share our truth. Other men need to know they are not alone in their suffering. Sisters need to know what their brothers go through in silence. This is why I wrote the book HELPLESSNESS.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
In 1977 I learned my four sisters had been molested by our stepfather for over seventeen years without me or my three brothers’ knowledge; however, our mother knew the whole time. After that, it took me nine years (1986) to find the courage to confront my stepfather. When I did, I gave him twenty-four-hours to otherwise, I would kill him. After that, the shame and guilt I carried last another forty years until I began writing the first of my three-book series, From Helpless To Hopefulness To Happiness: Helplessness. Helplessness has begun to bring me recognition because it is the first time a book about the issues brothers experience once we learn our sister has been molested and raped has ever been written. The biggest challenge I had to overcome was admitting to myself was a molestation victim. The next challenge was talking to my sisters about the book I was about to write. I was so afraid they would hate me and never want to talk to again for sharing part of their stories, but no, they not only encouraged me to write HELPLESSNESS; they each contributed to the book giving a wider view of a family’s experience. The emotional lift of writing for me was extremely heavy. I knew I had to go deep into the dark side of molestation with the story in order for it to be felt by others in a way that they would experience what my siblings and I went through, which is why it took me six years to write book one – HELPLESSNESS.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Disneyland and Downtown Disney hands down. We all need that one special place where happiness lives and Disneyland is that for me.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
This Shoutout recognition goes out to all brothers who, once they learn their sisters have been molested, they are not alone in the anger, sadness, fear of failing their sisters. Once molestation has been exposed in the family, brothers are the forgotten ones. The ones no ask, “The ones no one asks, “Are you okay? Do you need to talk?” The ones who are asked, “How could you not know?” The ones who are asked, “How could you not suspect?” The ones who are asked, “How come you didn’t protect me?” The ones who are asked, “How come you didn’t hear my cry or see my tears?” The ones who are told, “It didn’t happen to you. You can’t talk about it. Ever!”– The ones no books have been written about our struggles, our pain, our torment. This Shoutout is for you. For us –the brothers.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepercatranwhitney