ONTARIO — Dan Keeton has spent most of his life delivering a message against child abuse and neglect.
It’s a fitting calling for the professional singer because he was himself abused as a child.
Keeton delivered his message in words and song on Wednesday during the annual Wear Blue Day rally at the Graham Automall, held in conjunction with Richland County Children Services.
Wear Blue Day is a statewide event aimed at calling attention to the important issues of child abuse, neglect and dependency.
Keetong, born in Detroit, said his parents divorced when he was 4 years old. After his alcoholic father remarried, he was quickly abused by his stepmother.
“When I went to school one day, the teacher and the principal of the school decided they should speak up because they saw some marks on me that didn’t look right,” he said.
Keeton said the courts got involved and unfortunately initially placed him with his step-grandparents — the people who raised his abusive step-mother. A similar abuse pattern occurred.
He eventually was raised by his loving grandmother in Kentucky.
“My grandma, she knew where true love came from,” he said, noting her love for gospel music led him to his calling as a singer in gospel quartets.
Keeton, who has shared his story around the United States, Canada and Mexico, leaves Sunday for a week-long visit to Paris, France. He plans to speak and perform at the American Cathedral there, telling people how someone saved him from more abuse.
“Don’t be afraid to say something. You might just save somebody’s life,” said Keeton, who also performed two songs during the rally.
The annual rally is hosted by Doc Stumbo and Graham Automall.
“We are always happy when Doc calls and invites us to take part in the rally on this important day,” said Carl Hunnell, the Children Services public information supervisor. “Doc and the employees here care greatly about children and it shows.”
Tim Harless, the agency’s community outreach/programming director, also spoke during the rally before introducing Keeton.
For more information about Richland County Children Services and the community services it offers, visit www.richlandcountychildrenservices.org.
