One big-hearted rapper has been honored by the president for his volunteer work in his Houston community.
Lil Keke, whose real name is Marcus Edward, received a the President’s Volunteer Service Award from President Barack Obama at the Exclusive Palace Hall on Friday, April 29 for his volunteer work with USNC for UN Women Houston. The influential rapper is best known for DJ Screw’s “Pimp Tha Pen,” which has been sampled many times. He is also a part of the Screwed Up Click.
The letter from the president that addressed Lil Keke was obtained by 97.9 The Box:
“Congratulations on receiving the President’s Volunteer Service Award, and thank you for helping to address the most pressing needs in your community and our country.
“In my Inaugural Address, I stated that we need a new era of responsibility — a recognition on the part of every American that we have duties to ourselves, our Nation, and the world. These are duties that we do not grudgingly accept, but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit than giving our all to a difficult task. Your volunteer service demonstrates the kind of commitment to your community that moves America a step closer to its great promise.
“Our Nation faces the most challenging economic crisis in a lifetime. We will only renew America if we all work together. Individuals, the private sector, and the government must combine efforts to make real and lasting change so that each person has the opportunity to fulfill his or her potential.
“While government can open more opportunities for us to serve our communities, it is up to each of us to seize those opportunities. Thank you for your devotion to service and for doing all you can to shape a better tomorrow for our great Nation.”
The rapper, stunned by the honor, wrote on his Instagram, “Wow, they shock me #blessed.”
Congrats, Lil Keke!
