FM Education
NLE Choppa Teams Up With Local And State Leaders For An Event For Adolescents In Memphis
On Saturday afternoon, Memphis rapper NLE Choppa headlined a town hall at a downtown church to give the city’s youth a chance to voice their thoughts on improving the city.
“Speaking Up with NLE Choppa”
Black Men Crowned held the “Speak Up with NLE Choppa” town hall at the Light of Glory International Church, located at 225 Exchange Avenue in downtown Memphis. Furthermore, about 100 people attended the event, which lasted almost three hours. Most of the attendees were middle school and high school students from Memphis.
“When you speak on the youth, I feel like I’m part of it myself, I’m 19 years old,” said Choppa, also known as Bryson Potts. “I ain’t even reach 21 yet. When you speak on the youth, it’s the future. A few years from now, they’re gonna be the adults.”
NLE Choppa joins leaders for a town hall event dedicated to Memphis youth. Credit: WATN
Credit: WATN
Participants discussed key issues such as communication between youth and older generations, crime rates in Memphis, and mental health. At Saturday’s event, Choppa and Black Men Crowned aimed to uplift and encourage the youth present.
Additionally, nine other panelists participated in the town hall. The participants included were state senator London Lamar (D-Memphis), Choppa’s manager Angeleta Potts, and two Memphis students. Educators and parents interested in attending the limited seating event registered their students ages 12-18 in advance.
What is ‘Black Men Crowned’?
Furthermore, founded in 2021, Black Men Crowned is a nonprofit organization “devoted to honoring, celebrating, and empowering Black Men in the City of Memphis while uniquely designing a space to mold our youth into becoming productive citizens in their communities.”
In the view of Black Men Crowned, Saturday’s town hall marked the beginning of a conversation about these issues. Thus, these issues won’t change overnight or any time soon.
“It’s gonna take time, it’s gonna take a lot of work,” said Black Men Crowned CEO Justin Hart. “But I truly believe that this town hall is the first step in the right direction in creating a positive image that we want to see.”
Moreover, students from Memphis discussed some of their struggles and areas where they would like to see future changes. Also, other points included is more space for youth activities, coping with peer pressure, and communicating better with their household members.
Choppa, who has a young daughter, said a parent-child friendship could help improve the dynamic between the two. According to him, most youth tell their friends things that they don’t usually say to their parents. Overall, Eddie Jones, Shelby County Commissioner, presented Choppa with a proclamation honoring him for his contributions to the community.
Written by Nikiya Biggs
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