On June 3, 2013, we had the privilege of honoring Samuel L. Jackson at our 7th Annual Freeing Voices, Changing Lives Benefit Gala. Each year at the gala, we aim to raise money in order to continue providing universally affordable specialized therapy to people who stutter of all ages.

Bruce Willis, a surprise guest, presented the Award to his long time friend and colleague. In his acceptance speech, Jackson shared some of the challenges with his own stuttering. He talked about his earlier difficulties with stuttering while growing up in segregated Chattanooga, TN, as well as his current challenges with stuttering. He explained a recent stuttering experience while filming Captain America and shared that different sounds are difficult on different days.

Jackson also offered a few words of encouragement to those who stutter.”its okay to make people wait to hear what you have to say, because what you have to say, is important.” Jackson ended his remarks by saying “everything you do makes you stronger, you’re going to be stronger than those people out there that don’t stutter, believe me.”

A YouTube video of Samuel L. Jackson’s acceptance speech is below. We hope you’ll enjoy it as much as we did!