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Atlanta-
After facing numerous legal problems stretching as far back as 1996
(and culminating in federal weapons charges in late 2007,) T.I. has
made an earnest effort to break from the past and lead by example.
Within the past months, the superstar rapper has mentored thousands of
school-aged children, opened shelters and provided community outreach
programs for the needy.
The 4th Annual
Christmas Holiday for the Kids affair continued in that giving spirit.
Held at Atlanta’s famous Cascade Skating Rink yesterday, T.I.’s
K.I.N.G. Foundation provided 300 underprivileged with free skating,
music, games, food, clothes during a meet and greet with celebrity
guests Young Dro and Young LA. Despite his past, many metro Atlanta
parents feel that multi-platinum rapper-actor has indeed changed for
the better; and rolling out talked to a few during the skating party.
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Ida Turner Grandmother “My older grandson loves his music. I know he has been in some trouble and seems to be turning his life around. He’s doing some positive things for the young people. I hope he can be an influence to some other guys.” |
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Sharron Wilson Mother of four “Everybody has had bad times. It’s a part of life. We adults can’t just show them the good things in life. We’ve got to show them the bad too.” |
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Dadrieal Robinson Father of four “T.I. has had his ups-and-downs but he always steps up and does the right thing. Everybody is going to make mistakes. But what counts is what you do after that mistake–do you learn from it? No matter how much you’ve got, if you always give back, you’ll never block your blessings. God always gives you what you’ve got times three.” |
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Calvin Ussery Parent “I grew up in the same community [as T.I., Young Dro and Young LA], so I’ve seen them make mistakes and strive to work harder. That’s what you want these kids to do- strive and work hard. Something good will [come from] hard work. We all make mistakes. [My wife and I] try to teach our boy to learn from them.” |
