On June 19, 2026, faith-based social impact leader Alvin 'Testimony' Bowman will release his new single 'You Lift Me Up,' featuring Philadelphia MC Karl 'Dice Raw' Jenkins and The Choir Boyz. The song, timed to Juneteenth, serves as a declaration of survival, faith, and a life reclaimed after decades of struggle with crack cocaine addiction.
Bowman's journey from rock bottom to purpose began with promise. A lacrosse prodigy, he earned a Division I scholarship to Drexel University and was later inducted into its Athletic Hall of Fame. But crack cocaine consumed nearly two decades of his life, leading to homelessness, incarceration, multiple failed rehabilitation attempts, and a gunshot wound to the head in Baltimore in 2009. On December 10, 2014, he found lasting sobriety through faith and community.
Today, Bowman is over a decade clean and sober, a top-performing sales professional, a masters lacrosse competitor, and the voice behind 'Testimony,' a faith-rooted spoken word brand. Through his nonprofit MindzEye, he develops mentorship programs for underprivileged youth and inspires audiences nationwide. The Juneteenth release of 'You Lift Me Up' is intentional, as freedom in all its forms runs through the song.
'This music is my testimony,' Bowman said. 'It gives all glory to God for transforming my life and showing me that redemption is real. My hope is that every listener is reminded that their story isn't over, their circumstances don't define them, and God's grace is greater than any mistake.'
The single features Karl 'Dice Raw' Jenkins, a longtime collaborator of The Legendary Roots Crew, and The Choir Boyz, whose gospel harmonies elevate the message of uplift. This collaboration reflects the reach of Testimony's story, equally at home in faith communities and cultural conversations about redemption and second chances.
'You Lift Me Up' is the lead single from Testimony's forthcoming album 'Sticky Notes,' set for release on August 17, 2026. The album's title comes from the affirmation notes Bowman placed on his mirror during his darkest seasons—daily reminders that there was still a reason to hold on. The album is the artistic expression of those notes: honest, personal, and written for anyone who needs to hear that restoration is possible.
The single will be available on Bandcamp under 'ab.testimony' for those who wish to support the mission and on all streaming platforms beginning June 19, 2026. For more information on Bowman's story, visit www.alvintestimonybowman.com.
