Rapper-funded backpack giveaway Thursday night
By Katy Murphy
Wednesday, August 29th, 2007 at 11:32 am in Uncategorized.
East Oakland’s Youth UpRising center, at 8711 MacArthur Blvd., is giving away 200 backpacks stocked with pens, pencils, 3-ring binders and other school supplies during a back-to-school celebration that begins at 5 p.m. tomorrow.
Mistah F.A.B., a rapper and Oakland Tech graduate, donated the money. He is quoted in Youth UpRising’s press release as saying, ” I feel it’s really important that kids go to school to see the value in their education. The power of the pen is mightier than the sword; the more we know, the more we can make a change.”
At the back-to-school event, near the Castlemont campus, families will also find info about the high school exit exam and watch performances illustrating the connection between academics and artistic expression.
More on Youth UpRising (from their release):
Youth UpRising is a concrete answer to reducing violence, increasing educational attainment, and expanding career and life options for Alameda County youth and young adults. Operating in a county-owned 25,000 square foot facility, Youth UpRising offers comprehensive programming and activities that inspire youth leadership development and community transformation. To make a donation or for more information go to www.youthuprising.org or call (510) 777-9909.
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August 29th, 2007 at 4:53 pm
Positive message for the community and the backpacks are a hit with the kids. It is great when you see the positive influence that people who are from Oakland make in the community. What’s the greatest part of this giveaway is that he’s not suggesting that kids drop out of school to rap, but that they stay in school and get an education.
Mistah F.A.B., thank you. It’s times like this you gotta love Oakland!
September 2nd, 2007 at 11:06 am
This is fantastic. This young man should get a commendation from the mayor. This is the kind of thing all of our local celebreties should be doing. Where are the athletes; hello Raiders, A’s?!
August 26th, 2008 at 9:51 am
I would like to say GOOD JOB Mistah F.A.B.