Since her son was diagnosed with autism, Meelah Williams (former lead singer of r&b group 702) has made a point to give back, and spread awareness.

For example, she and her child’s father, Musiq Soul Child, recently held an autism awareness benefit concert. Meelah spoke about it with The Yolanda Adams Morning Show. She said, “It’s just been heavy on my heart and I felt like I needed to do something about it and use this platform for not just my music but for something bigger, something greater.”

The event was held in participation with P.R.O.U.D., a foundation for autism awareness founded by Meelah just this Spring. She named the foundation to stand for Parents Reaching Out to Understand Developmental Delays. She told JET, “I just want to be a support system for parents of special needs children, because it’s tough.”

Her son Zac, now 5, was diagnosed at age one, at which point Meelah truly recognized the significance of awareness and understanding within the difficult process. “We’ve had him in different therapies since he was quite young, even before the autism diagnosis.  It was good that we started early intervention, which is very conducive to his development.  We’ve had him in speech therapy and occupational therapy for a while now and he is doing well!”

On Instagram, Meelah has continued to express her initiative, and her love for little Zac. 2 months ago the proud mother posted, “My foundation P.R.O.U.D is all about spreading autism awareness an I’ve been so fortunate to come across so many organizations and parents who’ve reached out to me…thank you!!! Sevenly.org has teamed up with Autism Speaks to create locating devices to help children with autism stay safe. To learn more go to @sevenly profile & click the link. Help spread awareness!”

Currently, Meelah is re-establishing her music career and starring in an all new reality show, “R&B Divas: Atlanta“. She has released a new single called “Give it to You” featuring Musiq Soulchild, available on iTunes and her children’s album, “We Are Different”.

When JET asked Meelah how her role as a mother has impacted her career, she said “I’m more driven now than ever by my son, Zac.  It has motivated me to do something more.  I realize that my purpose here on Earth is not about me.  It’s bigger than me.  It’s amazing how God works.  Now I see that I have a platform and I have a voice and now I can use it for more than just selfish gain … I’m just so excited!”