The King Foundation, Y.E.S, Music Education Group, and Its Cool to be Smart, all joined forces to present a teen violence panel featuring Killer Mike, Bone Crusher, and T. I. Hosted by V103’s very own Greg Street, the panel discussion showed a different side of TIP. He gave a powerful speech that took me by surprise. I never really thought of the multi-platinum rapper as a preacher,  but his words were so moving it was as if Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had come down and taken over! Here is the speech I promise you will be moved…. 

 There aren’t very many artists that are good at public speaking, but I have to say, after listening to the compelling speech Letoya Luckett made to the juniors and seniors at McNair high school, she is one of the select few who are. Letoya got a special invite by “Its Cool To Be Smart” to come out and speak to the students. Her speech consisted of some motivational words, encouraging the kids to study, pass classes and to further their education after graduation. She also spoke on the subject of violence and domestic abuse, leaving out headline names but making it known its very clear that it is unexceptable under any circumstance and if someone hits you, you don’t need to be with them at all.  She goes to explain how her album wasn’t created to replace the bible, but merely to touch on the present day problems and struggles endured by people all over.  On a personal note, I have a new found respect for her and her craft. Letoya does has a movie coming out called “The Preacher’s Kid” and also a new album “Lady Love” which will come out May 19…

Lisa Wu Hartwell of Bravo’s Real Housewives of Atlanta, Rapper and Actor T.I., Grammy award winning producer Sean Garrett, Teen star Doc Shaw of “House of Payne, Tyler Perry Actor, Gary Sturgis and Bone Crusher joined forces with Atlanta-based non-profit organization It’s Cool To Be Smart to give out toys for Atlanta families in need this holiday season at Princeton Elementary.

The Christmas event started off by a Introduction of all the Celebrity Guest from It’s Cool To Be Smart Mentee, JoJo from McNair High School and was followed with a special speech delivered by T.I. to encourage the young people to be good in school and always respect their teachers and of course their parents. T.I. presentation was followed by 100 EXCITED young girls; who received their favorite Bratz Toys from the celebrities at hand. WOW!! Way to kick off the holidays!! Also the kids enjoyed breakfast provided by IHOP of Lithonia Georgia.

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Rapper and Actor T.I. joined forces with Atlanta-based non-profit organization It’s Cool To Be Smart to collect toys for Atlanta families in need this holiday season. more pics coming soon