By Curtis B 

The It’s Cool To Be Smart organization has been working in collaboration with the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Clubs of the Bronx for more than 4 years. Atlantic Recording artist community projects in New York have included, Juvenile, Lil Kim, Trick Daddy, Keke Palmer, just to name a few within the partnership. Also, one memorable community event with Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club was after Hurricane Katrina, when selected Boys & Girls Clubs teen girls across the country were invited on BET to discuss their community efforts on 106 & Park.

On Friday, May 2nd, the partnership with It’s Cool To Be Smart, The Music Education Group and Atlantic Records continued when the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club of the Bronx, was invited to sit in for an up close and personal talk with Mr. Harris on a special taping on BET called “T.I. Speaks”. VP of Publicity, Sydney Margetson of Atlantic Records made the special opportunity for the youth to be in attendance at BET. The interview was conducted by Touré, Host of BET Black Carpet in front of two other youth organizations.

The airing of the discussion with Mr. Harris was on Wednesday, May 7th at 7:30pm on BET. During the airing, two teens, Henry and Simmone from Kips Bay Boys & Girls Clubs were selected out of the audience to ask questions for Mr. Harris in regards to his platform for youth, that focused on “Reality vs. Entertainment.

Simone asked: “What is the number one obstacle you will face in your future?”
T.I., smiled and said, “My number one obstacle will be myself
Also, the day before the taping, T.I. visited the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club and delivered his powerful message to the youth of “Stop Teen on Teen Violence”, in their community. The presentation for the At Risk discussion that day was coordinated by Deputy Director of Operations Andrew McFall and Curtis B. Executive Director of It’s Cool To Be Smart.

WHAT THE KIPS BAY BOYS & GIRLS CLUB DIRECTORS HAD TO SAY CONCERNING MR. HARRIS’S MESSAGE FOR THEIR YOUTH

 ”T.I. left Kips Bay with a legacy of inspiration, perseverance, belief, and hard work.”  Most importantly, he taught our youth the importance of believing in themselves more than anyone could ever doubt them.  T.I. is admired and well respected as an artist, but now our young people respect him as a man.  He has the ability to inspire an entire generation.”
 
Yolonda Brisbane-Baird, Unit Director
Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club
Lucile Palmaro Clubhouse

“T.I. was masterful at conveying a positive and thought provoking message on the importance of the choices we make.  He captivated our youngsters by demystifying the images that they see in music videos and urging them to remain committed to their dreams, education, and advice of their parents. ”

Andrew McFall
Deputy Director of Operations
Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club

For more information on It’s Cool To Be Smart, contact Curtis B at itscooltobesmart@bellsouth.net.