TENNESSEE GOVERNOR BILL LEE HONORS THE INSPIRATIONAL SHANE MICHAEL TAYLOR WITH A SPECIAL DAY OF RECOGNITION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1
“I grew up in the northeast, so the only way I was exposed to country music was by listening to Country 92-5 in Connecticut and by watching TNN & CMT, along with the occasional network specials. So to me, Nashville and the Land of Oz were one in the same as they existed on the screen. But deep down, I felt that Nashville and country music were calling me. Having a career in country music and calling Nashville home were far-fetched dreams. I let my heart guide and both dreams came true. There are no words to describe the emotions of being honored and embraced by both the city of Nashville and the state of Tennessee for a career in country music, which was born from a simple desire to connect as a human being. I think it shows that, wherever we currently are on life’s journey, is exactly where we are meant to be. We just need to let our hearts be our guide,” says Shane.
Shane was surprised with both proclamations (one statewide and one citywide) by Nashville councilman Robert Swope on Tuesday, October 26 at the Divas and Dudes charity board meeting at Trattoria Il Mulino in Nashville. That same night, Shane was also selected to serve as the new Executive Director of the charity.
“It is an honor and privilege to acknowledge Shane Michael Taylor’s achievements and contributions. to not only Nashville and the State of Tennessee, but to the world as well. He is an exemplary role model for all of us, and we pray he continues to follow his path to assist others.” -Robert Swope, Council Member for District 4 of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County
Divas and Dudes is the newly formed brainchild of Nashville attorney Karin Paparelli. The Tennessee non-profit organization brings hope, recognition and joy to families fighting childhood cancer and life-threatening illnesses.
“Shane Michael Taylor embodies the term tenacity and is living proof that our mindset can be the most liberating factor when pursuing our dreams. Shane is a songwriter, author, motivational speaker, educator, healthcare advocate and budding philanthropist. I believe Divas and Dudes is about to jettison into a new and exciting season with him at the helm. And so it is with much delight that I pass the baton as Executive Director of Divas and Dudes to Shane Michael.”
-Karin Paparelli, founder
Shane is a masterful writer who pens not only country songs, but also crafts workshops to help raise awareness around the prevalence of abuse in the caregiver industry. He selflessly uses his platform to advocate for the rights and recognition of those with disabilities and families who rely on caregiver services for survival.
Divas & Dudes Board
Shane’s acceptance speech:
I wrote this speech having no idea what was being planned. I’m sure that I am speechless right now. This is coming from my heart because a lot of things make me speechless. How convenient it is that I have a speech impairment anyways 🙂
It has been quite a year and I have a lot to be grateful for. From laughing with a friend over margaritas to getting our music video on CMT and everything in between, I am truly grateful and blessed for all of it
It has been quite a narrow road to get to this point – filled with hidden battles that are innate and constant to those with medical challenges. Peace, joy, and excitement are often met with the fierce resistance of fear, sadness, and shame, who’s primary goal is to force our inner child and spirit Into hiding – keeping us from we really are; and from doing what we were put here to do.Last week I took a trip to the smokies to reunite with a true friend and former caregiver. Whiled visiting Smokey Mountain National Park, we found an accessible trail. As we were on the trail, he pretended that I was chasing him, like a scene in Scary Movie We were giggling like children throughout the entire 2 mile path, which was painted with warm colors of autumn leaves swaying in the cool breeze of fall as warm rays of sun seeped through the trees. The feeling of joy combined with moments of perfect beauty felt like heaven on earth. Helping others experience what I just described is my hope for this organization going forward.
Odds show that I shouldn’t exist in this world, or much worse, being imprisoned and mistreated in some nursing home, begging for a cup of water. But there have literally been thousands of people who have kept me on this road by encouraging me and accepting me as a fellow human being, allowing my spirit to crawl out from beneath this crippled body and to shine. Because of all of you, we are helping others stay on their narrow roads and giving a voice to those in danger of falling off. Thank you for your support.
Shane’s “I’m Giving In” music video.
2023 Shane Michael Taylor