Lance G. Newman II, aka Mr. SpreadLove, is a self-described renaissance man—and he has the quality, diversified artistic product to back up that assessment. But as his moniker indicates, Mr. SpreadLove is committed to more than simply dispersing his art among the masses; he is devoted to passing on a living legacy of spreading positivity and love through poetry (as well as other art forms), education, and the nurture of the next generation—all in the hope of affecting lasting change.

Around the turn of the century, Joseph Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), a rebel group, wreaked havoc in northern Uganda, murdering many and kidnapping tens of thousands of children. JR is one of these thousands. Listen as he shares his story of lost youth, sacrifice, forgiveness, and redemption.

Editor’s Note: Due to the sensitive nature of this story, the subject’s name has been changed and specific locations have been removed from the recording.