The Remarkable Julian Lennon
Editorial Credit: Andrea Raffin / Shutterstock.com
Hey, Jude! You Took a Sad Song and Made it Better.
I’m sure the Beatles will forgive me for taking some liberties with one of the greatest rock songs ever. It’s all for a good cause – something “Jude” knows something about.
You see, Jude is John Charles Julian Lennon, better known as Julian Lennon. He is the son, of course, of Beatles and solo legend John Lennon and his first wife, Cynthia. Julian was born in 1963 and was the inspiration for “Hey, Jude,” a singular honor by itself, but also of two other classic Beatles tunes: “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” and “Good Night.” How’s that for a pedigree?
His relationship with his famous father was complicated, but Julian struck out on his own to become a noted singer, songwriter, photographer, filmmaker, author, and the real reason for this blog post, philanthropist. You see, Julian is the founder of The White Feather Foundation (TWFF). The name of his foundation is based on something Julian’s father, John, told him.
“Dad once said to me, that should he pass away, if there was some way of letting me know he was going to be ok – that we were all going to be ok – the message would come to me in the form of a White Feather. Then something happened to me, whilst on tour with the album, “Photograph Smile,” in Australia. I was presented with a White Feather by an Aboriginal tribal elder, from The Mirning people, which definitely took my breath away.””
“The White Feather Foundation was created for the purpose of giving a voice and support to those who cannot be heard. The tribal elders asked for my help, as I could bring awareness to their plight and to others who were suffering the same. Having had the White Feather bestowed upon me, I knew this endeavor was to be part of my destiny. One thing for sure is that the White Feather has always represented peace to me, as well as communication…”
I would guess you could never get a clearer sign that would show you the direction your life’s work should take. TWFF began raising money and helping people in so many ways. Today it focuses on education and health, clean water, indigenous cultures, and the environment. These initiatives are funded through TWFF Fund.
It would take more than this short piece to fully describe the impact TWFF has had on the world. The White Feather Foundation has already funded and completed important projects relieving poverty and distress in Kenya, in the Amazon Basin, in Sri Lanka, in Peru, and in Gambia as well as funding ecological projects in England. TWFF has assisted the Amazon Conservation Team by funding a shaman school promoting native Amazonian spirituality and its central message of living in harmony with the natural environment.
One other initiative supported by the Foundation is the Cynthia Lennon Scholarship for Girls. This program works with selected charity partners to provide educational funds for girls in developing countries. The scholarships cover costs like school fees, tutoring, uniforms, textbooks/materials, activities, transportation, and boarding costs where necessary, for the full term of the education program. This provides an empowering foundation to prepare the girls for life as an adult.
As noted on TWFF’s website, “Cynthia Lennon, devoted mother to Julian, was an artist, author and restaurateur known for her kindness and warmth. Her admirable work ethic, strength and optimism were ever-present as was her compassion for others. The Cynthia Lennon Scholarship for Girls was established in honor of her spirit to provide new generations of young women with the education, tools and confidence to live their best lives.”
Girls’ Dormitory for Uranga Secondary School | Photo Source: whitefeatherfoundation.com
New Aqueduct System Brings Clean Water for Yachaikury School | Photo Source: whitefeatherfoundation.com
Recognition has been Widespread.
While you may not have heard of TWFF, many across the globe have. To acknowledge his humanitarian efforts through The White Feather Foundation and his support for many causes, UNESCO presented Julian Lennon with the UNESCO Center for Peace 2020 Cross-Cultural & Peace Crafter Award.
The White Feather Foundation was also recognized by Prince Albert II of Monaco, who honored the foundation with the “Better World Environmental Award.”
As The White Feather Foundation states on its web site:
“However much compassion and concern we all feel as individuals, we are often intimidated by the enormity of the problems we face and feel helpless to implement any real change. However, what we cannot accomplish as individuals, we can accomplish collectively. Thanks to the insight of Julian Lennon, an internationally renowned musician, philanthropist, and gifted photographer, we now have the means to translate these feelings into effective action.”
So the next time you hear “Hey, Jude” on the radio or your favorite streaming service, remember who the song is about and what he’s doing to improve the lives of people around the world. Julian really is taking a sad song and making it better. If you like, TWFF Fund accepts donations on their website.