One day, when I was about eight years old, some kids pushed me on stage at school during a talent show because they knew I could sing.

I have to pinch myself sometimes. It's unbelievable, but it's not. Because I know that this would not be happening if it hadn't been for Dr. Martin Luther King.

My voice is my gift. And Pops had me using it in the right way. I had many offers to sing pop, to sing rhythm and blues. Pops said "Mavis, this record company want to give you a million dollars." I said, "No daddy, I want to sing with the family." And I did. I never wanted to branch out by myself. But I've had to now. It's my mission. I've been left here to do it. And I'm grateful.

There's still injustice happening in my world. I sing my songs at concerts and I'm so grateful that the people are ready to hear them.

Music is such a joy, just an absolute joy.

I'm so blessed that I can still be here to bring the music and have new generations of fans. My Pops would be so proud.

If I wasn't my age, I would turn a flip. I would do some cartwheels. That's how I feel.