Leeds, Alabama business owner and inspirational speaker Mark Lucas was recently featured in an episode of “Hope Givers” shown nationwide to promote positive mental health.
Published: October 2, 2021
Produced by Georgia Public Broadcasting, Hope Givers highlights hope and resilience across America, with each episode spotlighting an individual or group that has eschewed adversity and focused instead on having a positive impact on their community.
That describes Mark Lucas, owner of the Music Room in the Leeds community located east of Birmingham and subject of Episode 5 in the eight-episode series that aired Sept. 21. The musician risked never playing music again when he underwent risky brain surgery at age 20 to put an end to seven years of epileptic seizures – and it worked.
After graduating from Jacksonville State University with a bachelor’s degree in music, Lucas opened The Music Room and The Music Room Foundation with a therapeutic outlook, providing music lessons and therapy for others needing it. An accomplished musician, award-winning lyricist and expert percussionist, he brings hope and joy to his students. His mentor on this journey over the last six years has been President and CEO of the Presbyterian Home for Children Doug Marshall. The former CFO of United Ability and Alabama Family Trust, Marshall has continued to invest his energy with Lucas to help open doors to significantly impact the lives of individuals with physical or intellectual disabilities across Alabama and beyond.
Hope Givers debuted Sept. 21 and the mental health and wellness-centered program also will be made available to schools across the country thanks to a partnership with the Georgia Department of Education. Look for more locally in the coming weeks to promote Lucas and Hope Givers.
You can see part of the episode here:
https://www.gpb.org/education/hope-givers-tamlin-hall/just-jam-it-out
For More information about Lucas and the Music room, visit or https://www.facebook.com/TheMusicRoomLeeds
About Hope Givers
Hope Givers is a nonprofit organization based in Atlanta committed to creating original, engaging content that can positively promote mental health, equity and well-being for all. Its vision is to save lives through arts, science and advocacy, embracing a message focused on love, humanity and hope. Hope Givers regularly hosts music festivals, film competitions and other artistic endeavors designed to put the spotlight on positivity and hope. For more information, visit http://www.hopegiversga.org.