As you probably know by now, we like to discuss the interrelationships between sports and hip-hop here at HHSR. What you may not know yet is that we also like to highlight the positive things that are happening in communities around the country that are a direct result of the good-natured actions of rappers and athletes that typically go unnoticed. The following story has both.
The irony is that Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker LaMarr Woodley was profiled in our first Giving Back piece earlier this month, this despite the fact that I personally (as a fan) have despised the Steelers since childhood. This time around, it’s Miami native Flo Rida, who I’ve never been a fan of (although “Whistle” is kinda catchy), that has stepped up to the plate to help his community.
Flo Rida, former Miami Dolphin Vernon Carey, former Tennessee Titan and Baltimore Raven Samari Rolle and current Houston Texan Brandon Harris have all recently donated tens of thousands of dollars to their hometown of Miami through their high school alma maters and local organizations. Carey has given over $50,000 for a new weight room to his former high school, for which his is now an assistant coach. Rolle will pony up $15,000 over the next three years to assist a local after school mentorship/sports program, while Harris pledged thousands to his former Pop Warner and high school teams.
Meanwhile, Flo Rida linked up with long time 305 representative Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell to charter a local youth football team. Mr. Rida has provided uniforms and equipment for the boys and girls (who can enroll in a cheerleading program) that will participate and also gave a free back-to-school concert for the kids, which included a giveaway of 10,000 bookbags for the young students.
Shoutout to Uncle Luke for actually writing this story and for caring about his community. Sports are not the end all be all when it comes to the development of young people. But by providing an alternative to the streets, these men are investing in their community through the children that will one day be responsible for caring for it themselves.
And that’s too live if you ask me.