Written by Isha Edwards
February 2008
It was the Tsunami of 2004, which killed over 230,000 people that lead the U.S. public to raise more than $1.9 billion through the Disasters Emergency Committee. Giving around the globe during that time reached unprecedented levels as many, who did not give regularly, were inspired to donate. Similarly, the 9/11 and hurricane Katrina tragedies incited an international display of compassion first witnessed when Diana, Princess of Wales was killed in a car accident in 1997.
From AIDS and the environment to the high incarceration and homicide rate among U.S. youth and adults (ages 10-29) and genocide in African nations, societal ills has risen to astronomical proportions. As such, no country, community or culture is impervious to social and economic disparities, which is why there is a mandate, at best, to achieve as well as to serve others.
What motivates individuals to give goods, services, time or money requires emotional exchange. Philip Spencer, marketing director at World Vision in the U.K., likens giving back through humanitarian campaigns to a consumer item, which involves “[Engaging] and hit [ting] the right emotions so people want to be part of a solution.”
Instead of being motivated by tragedy to do the most good or even feeling as if philanthropy is restricted to the aged, financially well off or celebrities, individuals from all walks of life can and should engage in service to others. One hindrance to that end is that selfishness often precedes tragedy the same way, “pride comes before the fall.” When people get back to making service personal again, much of the unrest witnessed in the world today will subside.
Chairman and chief creative officer, Peter Mitchell, of the social marketing firm, Marketing for Change, explains it best, “…if someone participates [in a philanthropic effort] they are choosing to say something about themselves. They don’t choose to donate to a cause, but to be the kind of person who donates to the cause.”
Caught Serving
Rapper Nelly is a spokesperson for the Build the Dream project, which is a fundraiser for the Washington D.C. memorial that will commemorate Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and work. The four-acre Memorial site will be located on the northeast corner of the National Mall Tidal Basin to create a visual “line of leadership” from the Lincoln Memorial, where King gave his famous speech in 1963, north to the Jefferson Memorial.
Through the HerShe group, actress Sanaa Lathan helps girls transition from adolescent foster care to adult independence. The girls gain valuable life skills plus “realize their full potential” through extraordinary experiences in the arts, with mentorship, adventure, training, and education.
Rap pioneer, KRS-1 re-launched his celebrated Stop the Violence campaign. Promotional projects will include public service announcements and a nationwide tour with guest artists, Ludacris, 50 Cent, Chingy, Rick Ross, Doug E. Fresh, Lil’ Wayne, Busta Rhymes, and others.
KRS has a 20-year history of educating and leading the Hip-Hop movement. According to KRS, the campaign is a visual effort to provide positive examples in the Hip-Hop community as well as “offer choices in conflict resolution.” One feature of the campaign includes challenging participating artists to “write with more depth.”
Musiq Soulchild has embraced the meaning of community and social responsibility. According to his reps, Musiq celebrated his 30th birthday by giving gifts in his hometown of Philadelphia. Musiq’s “Give more love day” included a school supplies drive and concert sponsored by Live Nation. Clothing, canned goods, toiletries were accepted and distributed accordingly.
Recognized many times over for his contribution to children and youth through his foundation rapper-actor, Ludacris admonishes his peers to champion similar efforts (outreach to communities). Among a list of awards he has received for social initiatives, Ludacris recently added Trumpet Award honoree. In January, Ludacris and Sacramento Kings forward, Shareef Abdur-Rahim received the Usher Raymond Altruism Award.
Multiple Grammy Award winner Quincy Jones will be honored for his musical and philanthropic contributions. On June 9, the National Association of Broadcasters’ Education Foundation will present Jones with the Celebration of Service to America Leadership Award. The Celebration of Service Awards recognizes individuals who have “improved the lives of others through public service.”
In 1991, Jones founded the Listen Up Foundation to help disadvantaged children gain access to education, music and culture. In 2004, he co-founded the We Are the Future Foundation, which builds youth centers in poor and war-torn countries.
Forgot Someone?
Yes. Although MySpace’s Impact Awards comes close, left to be seen is an awards ceremony, which recognizes youth and young adults for the positive contributions they make to society. Recognition is warranted as young people believe they are more likely to be acknowledged for doing wrong than doing right.
