21 Savage spent the day giving back to the neighborhood that raised him, hosting the third edition of his Issa Back To School Drive here in Atlanta. FreddyO was on site as families from across the community came out to get their children ready for the new school year, with the rapper front and center, meeting kids and their parents from start to finish.
Students received backpacks filled with school supplies and other essentials for the first day of class, and the day also included food, activities and time with the artists who came out to support the event. The drive has grown each year since 21 Savage started it in the Zone 6 community on Atlanta’s Eastside where he grew up, and this year’s turnout showed just how much local families count on it.
Speaking with FreddyO, 21 talked about the drive, about giving to kids, and about his own story. He has spoken openly in interviews about surviving a shooting on his 21st birthday in 2013, an experience he has said changed his outlook on life. On this day, his focus stayed on the young people in front of him — making sure they start the school year prepared, confident and knowing that somebody from their own neighborhood believes in them.
Events like this are bigger than one afternoon. For many families, a backpack, supplies and a word of encouragement from someone who grew up on these same streets can set the tone for the whole school year. Press play to hear 21 Savage in his own words, and salute to everybody who volunteered, donated and showed up for Atlanta’s kids.
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