Going beyond their individual roles and celebrity status, Christopher "Ludacris" Bridges, Corey "CoCo Brother" Condrey, "Canton Jones, and Lil iROCC Williams are among entertainment industry men committed to social change in their communities, nationally, and abroad. experiences vary, each is using his time, talent, and resources to make a defining difference. In addition to acknowledging their individual achievements, they are celebrated for championing the notification that leading begins with serving
A Firm Foundation
Synonymous to being an actor and recording artist is the passion Christopher "Ludacris" Bridges The father of one, Bridges & The 39th; Atlanta-based, The Ludacris Foundation is a tangible expression of its values and commitment to the community in which he was raised. The foundation also fulfills his vision to "inspire youth to live their dreams, uplift families, and foster economic development in the community.
Since 2001, The Ludacris Foundation has donated over $ 1 million to nonprofit organizations. These figures translate to impacting more than 7,000 lives. From developing healthy eating habits and financial literacy to offer runningaway youth, Bridges "shows young people they are the architects of their future ..."
"I was taught as a child to help others in need. When I had little I gave what I could. Giving back is not. what we do it is who we are, "Bridges commented.
Self-esteem, spirituality, communication, education, leadership, goal setting, physical activity, and community service are eight attributes Bridges learned at an early age. In addition to demonstrating these core values personally, the eight attributes also serve as the foundation & # 39; s Principles of Success.
"It time goes on I hope that we are able to influence and positively affect the lives of young people everywhere," he said.
Bridging the Gap
Being capable to rise above homelessness, alcoholism, and suicide attempts is Cory "CoCo Brother" Condrey & # 39; s testimony. Each Sunday, ten million listeners tune in to Condrey The Spirit of Hip-Hop (TSOHH) radio broadcast on Radio One & # 39; s Hot 107.9 in Atlanta. In between his Hip-Hop infused praise and worship sets, listeners of all ages call in or visit the station to share testimonies, express gratitude, prayer, sing, "clown", and even cry. When appropriate, Condrey reciprocates in the form of financial and other contributions - a concept he relates to "pay [ing] it forward. "
"You are not going to kill yourself." You are not going to kill yourself. , "Condrey told the caller." Your mess [will be] The message changed to the message. "experience as Conditional 'Conditional'
Where he has was the guy on the bridge who understood the way to not balance how to balance faith in God and having fun, Condrey now providing balance in an entertaining yet relevant way . As a result, lives are changing daily. "We accept everyone for who they are and we walk with them, "he advised.
"The vision of TSOHH is to" Bridge the gap between the church and the streets worldwide. "This entailing listeners with inspiring music and messages from celebrities, Hip-Hop personalities, and leading pastors." Radio is for the community and the people. We are supposed to service their needs, "Condrey noted.
Through TSOHH Condrey hosts annual toy give-a-ways. Exodus is another annual event geared towards young people. Last year, Exodus drew over 8,000 children, youth, and young adults to church on a frigid Thursday night. Celebrity guests, Fabo, Rodney Jerkins, Detrick Haddon, Fonzworth Bentley, and Crime Mob & # 39; s Diamond and Princess were among those to lend their support.
Among other efforts, this summer, Condrey will launch Stand 2007. Backed by Atlanta mayor, Shirley Franklin, young people of all ages will be led in a charge to be righteous, pure, and to pray.
Currently, TSOHH is nationally syndicated in 15 Radio One markets including Atlanta, Dallas, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Detroit, and St. Louis. Louis. The program also airs live on the station & # 39; s website.
Love by Example
For two-time Grammy Award nominee, Canton Jones "I am cultivating the love of god in my life so I come in contact with people they can actually feel love." According to Jones, his third album, which was named for daughter, Love Angel, also reflects the fact that God is love. Rather than book tour dates by contract or schedule, Jones tours where he is led. At times he turns down paid books to go into school and community centers across the nation. Often , Jones spends countless hours talking to concert goers one-on-one after each show. He also uses these opportunities to inherit wisdom , discuss values, motivate as well as it's because. "saving and enriching lives is just that important." When he is not on tour, the Morehouse College alum overseas CAJO International, which is the business arm for his community outreach. Jones also mentors a number of independent artists in his charge - many of what he has known since they were teenagers.
"The work that God has blessed. I do it without thinking or hesitation. Moved by his passion for the betterment of young people, Jones does not mind being a living, loving example.
A Lil Different
Lil iROCC Williams is a multi-hyphenate in the making. A New Orleans born emcee, Williams is an actor, model, recording artist, and co-owner of Authority Music - a recording company he started with his father , Big RoCC, when he was 14. Since his 2003 debut album, Williams has garnered three Stellar Awards and a Dove nomination. A high school graduate (at age 16), Williams is currently producing his third album while considering scholarships options for college and Well, I have committed to do the direct opposition and be a lil & # 39; different, "Williams, commented.
A joint venture with his father-son relationships. A joint venture with Third Day International Ministries entailing building and maintaining a school and dormitory for disabled children in Ghana, West Africa. Currently, Williams is working to raise $ 20,000 to fund a 10-day mission trip to Ghana where completion will teach, teach, and speak to the country & # 39; s youth. Another nonprofit venture Williams is involved with is a scholarship foundation spearheaded by Higher Dimension Ministries in Houston, Texas. The scholarship provides quality education and nurturing in a safe and productive environment for displaced and orphaned children affected by hurricane Katrina.
Williams & # 39; 2007 objective involves doing more to "." Poor kids right here at home. "There are kids in this country that look like me. They are my age and younger and go to sleep hungry - that should not be and I have to do something about that, "Williams advised.
Williams believes in developing a relationship that is being touchable, "Williams shows have interested in positive living," Williams believes in serving others. open, and supportive. Between singing engagements, Williams visits public schools where he go then talks with students about career goals, life issues, and how to "get through moment by moment."
"Young folks look to to [each other] doing some amazing and out of the ordinary things because it helps us feel like the dreams we keep to ourselves are not so crazy, "he said.
As history is written, the pages will note how these men and others like them led the effort to do the most good.
