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5 Browns pianist Deondre Brown describes childhood abuse, family recovery and music as a path to healing
Summary
Concert pianist Deondre Brown, of the 5 Browns, described disclosing years of childhood abuse by her father, the family's efforts to seek therapy and the role of music and positive relationships in recovery during a Davis County symposium presentation.
Deondre Brown, a concert pianist who performs with the sibling ensemble the 5 Browns, told symposium attendees that she and two sisters discovered years of sexual abuse by their father while on tour and later confronted their parents.
Brown said the abuse began when she was about 11 and tapered when she was about 16. "There were thousands of instances of abuse. Several hundred of them qualify as **** of a child under the law," she said. She described the family's subsequent attempt to seek therapy together and the difficulty of creating consistent understanding and accountability within the family.
Brown said she, her siblings and her parents engaged in individual and family therapy and attempted to repair relationships, but the process produced intermittent progress. "You have that happen enough times and you realize, you know what? I think it's time I have to focus on myself," she said, describing a decision to prioritize her own marriage and mental health.
She outlined supports that helped her resilience: a long-term, nonjudgmental spouse, close sibling relationships, therapy and work with prevention organizations. Brown encouraged listeners to offer practical support to survivors, such as showing up, listening without judgment and providing concrete help (meals, errands) rather than well-meaning but hurtful comments such as "move on." She urged caution when pressing survivors to forgive and said forgiveness is a personal, often slow process.
Brown also described the arts as an important healing channel. She said performing and recording an album that the family calls their Rite of Spring record allowed the siblings to express and process difficult emotions together. Brown recommended that listeners identify and keep a short list of positive experiences or supports they can draw on during difficult times.
Brown closed by urging the audience to hold and share hope with survivors and to seek out and support local prevention and family-strengthening efforts.
