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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Yvette McPherson Entertainers 4 Education Alliance (718) 385-3133 pr@earsentertainmentgroup.com
Nakia Hicks - Vision Media Management 347 423-2692 nakia.hicks@gmail.com
NOT JUST A CONCERT, ENTERTAINERS 4 EDUCATION ALLIANCE’S ALL-STAR STAY IN SCHOOL CONCERT PROVIDED EDUCATION IN A COOL WAY.
November 3, 2008, New York, NY -Entertainers 4 Education 2008 Stay in School Concert held at Manhattan Center in New York City on October 28th provided another victory in the fight to keep students in school and to spotlight the enormous dropout rate that is plaguing our country. The event which will be re-broadcast to thousands of students nation wide on AOL Time Warner's Boom Box, brought out over 2000 students from NYC city public schools. The presenting sponsors included apparel leader Southpole and NY's # 1 radio station HOT 97FM. Notable attendees/performers included (NYC Deputy Mayor of Policy) Dennis Walcott, (NY Jets Linebacker) Calvin Pace, (R&B sensation) Ryan Leslie, (SRC Universal Records artist/actor) David Banner,(MTV's "Making the Band" winner), Donnie Klang, America's Next Top Model" winner and LOT29 endorser), Jaslene Gonzalez; (Bad Boy recording artist) Cherri Dennis; (music mogul) Jim Jones, elebrity fashion stylist and "Glam God" contestant), Indashio, (Def Jamecording artist), Juelz Santana; (New York Knick legend) John Starks; (MTV correspondent) Sway Calloway;("Chicken Noodle Soup Dance Craze Inventor") DJ Webstar, (EMI/ Capital Recording Artist) MIMS, (Atlantic records recording artist) Maino (Run's House star) Jo Jo Simmons, (super producer artist) Ron Brownz, the event was hosted by HOT 97 early morning show host DJ Cipha Sounds and Rosenberg. Southpole presented a fashion show previewing their Fall collection. Additional sponsors included WhiteCastle who hosted a "CRAVE" room for select students, and hosted the VIP and backstage areas. ICEPOD, (luxurious wearable jewelry for iPods, the iPhone, and other popular hand-held gadgets), Eki's Famous, Dr. Miracles, NYC Department of Education, Right On Magazine, Black Beat Magazine, US ARMY, City University of New York College Express, NY Public Library, M&M's and Coca-Cola.
There were several highlights of the evening:
The venue erupted when Jim Jones took the stage and presented a check to the Achieve Your Dreams scholarship winner Shauntel Young. Entertainers 4 Education Alliance & Jones developed the Achieve Your Dreams poetry contest last year to encourage students to aspire to greatness. Shauntel Young a junior in high school at the time of the competition has since graduated and is a freshman at Long Island University. Shauntel was very emotional as she received the check from Jim Jones.
Former NBA Knick and E4EA Board member, John Starks chats with students before introducing the Deputy Mayor Dennis Walcott. Mr. Walcott took the stage with the NBA Legend, to discuss how he too attended a public school and how he had to overcome many obstacle to become the man he is today. Finally, he promised the students if they work had and choose education anything is possible.
Before giving an electrifying performance Ryan Leslie told students that he graduated from Harvard University at the age of 19 with a degree in Government and Economics. He emphasized that although music is his passion, finishing school was always his first priority.
David Banner who received a Bachelors Degree from Southern University and attended the Graduate program at the University of Maryland stated, "If this music thing didn't work out my education would sustain me, I tell all young people all the time to choose education first."
MTV Correspondent and E4EA Board Member Sway Calloway talked about the alarming drop out statistics and how each young person must beat the odds. He also spoke about the importance of voting.
Maino who spoke to students about overcoming obstacles and naysayer performed his hit song "Hi Haters". Maino stated that "Any one that doesn't want you to graduate from High School is a hater"
Tonya Lewis Co-founder of Entertainers 4 Education Alliance said "A powerful message was sent to NYC students and will be sent to thousands of students across the country with the event rebroadcast on AOL. We must win the battle for our youth. I am just happy that I have been chosen to champion this cause by utilizing my love of youth and my background in the entertainment and education arena to make a difference. I thank every person that helped us raise the educational banner and who is dedicated to helping us win the fight for our youth".
For more information, go to www.e4ea.org
Photo Credit: (Quick Photography (high rez images available upon request)
About Entertainers 4 Education Alliance: (E4EA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth by promoting education and positive decision-making. We enlist and utilize the talents and resources of the music and entertainment community to provide support and encouraging messages to our young people. E4EA recently launched the "I WILL GRADUATE CAMPAIGN", a national call to action for students, parents, and the entire community to increase educational achievement. E4EA is looking for ONE MILLION students each year to pledge that they will graduate and pursue higher education. We want parents and the community to support students in obtaining a high school diploma and college degree
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