William Kellibrew IV lives each day with his passion in his hand. He is a global advocate for human, civil, children and victims’ rights, focused on a values-driven approach to address trauma and violence. Kellibrew knows the impact that trauma and violence has on individuals and families all too well.
On July 2, 1984, at age 10, Kellibrew witnessed the murders of his mother, Jacqueline and 12-year-old-brother, Anthony, by his mom’s ex-boyfriend in their family living room in Capitol Heights, Maryland. The killer took his own life that day, but not before making William beg for his life at gunpoint. Read the Washington Post article describing the tragedy.
His pathway to hope, healing, rebuilding, recovery and resilience can be credited to the many mentors, professionals in the mental health system, teachers, friends, professors, supporters and family members who did not give up on him including his grandmother who raised him and his siblings following the murders.
In 2011, the White House recognized Kellibrew as a ‘Champion of Change’. In 2013, he received the Voice Award from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration for his work across the country as a peer/consumer leader. In 2014, he accepted the Capitol Probe Award at the District of Columbia Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and in 2015 he received the U.S. Congressional Victims’ Rights Caucus Eva Murillo Unsung Hero Award.
Kellibrew’s resilience has been featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show, CNN, MSNBC, BBC, Newsweek, Washington Post and various news and media publications and outlets throughout the world.
Follow Kellibrew on www.facebook.com/willkelli, Twitter and Instagram @willkelli
