Carl Bean facts for kids

Carl Bean (born May 26, 1944 – died September 7, 2021) was an American singer and activist. He started the Unity Fellowship Church Movement, a Christian group that welcomed all people, especially those who might have felt left out by other churches, and focused on the African American community.

Before he founded the first Unity Fellowship Church in Los Angeles in 1975, Carl Bean was a popular singer. He was known for his Motown and disco music. One of his most famous songs was "I Was Born This Way", which became an anthem about self-acceptance and being true to yourself.

In 1982, Carl Bean became an important activist. He worked to help people living with AIDS, a serious health condition. He dedicated much of his life to supporting those affected by the illness.

Carl Bean wrote a book about his life called I Was Born This Way, which was published in 2010. He passed away in 2021 at the age of 77.

Carl Bean's Early Life and Music

Carl Bean was born in Baltimore, Maryland. He grew up loving music and singing. Before he became a church leader, he had a successful career as a singer. He was part of the Motown sound, which was a very popular style of music in the 1960s and 1970s. He also sang disco music, which was famous for its danceable beats.

His song "I Was Born This Way" was released in 1977. It became a well-known song, especially for its message of pride and self-acceptance. The song encouraged people to be proud of who they are.

Founding the Unity Fellowship Church

After his music career, Carl Bean felt called to help people in a different way. He wanted to create a church where everyone felt welcome and loved, no matter their background. In 1975, he founded the first Unity Fellowship Church in Los Angeles, California.

This church became the start of the Unity Fellowship Church Movement. It is a Christian denomination that teaches about God's unconditional love for all people. The church focused on supporting the African American community and creating a safe space for everyone to worship.

Activism and Legacy

Carl Bean was not only a singer and a church leader but also a dedicated activist. In the 1980s, when the AIDS epidemic began, he saw many people suffering. He decided to take action and became a strong voice for people with AIDS. He worked to provide support, care, and understanding for those affected by the illness.

His work helped many people and raised awareness about AIDS. Carl Bean's life showed how one person can use their talents and passion to make a big difference in the world, whether through music, faith, or activism. He left behind a legacy of love, acceptance, and service to others.

Books

• I Was Born This Way – Carl Bean's autobiography, published in 2010.