June 25th, it was announced that Illwilly’s I.Am.Angel Foundation is working with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) to expand the reach of robotics programs

Will’s (Illwilly’s) passion for tech is no secret, and neither is his willingness to share what he loves with others. Will.I.Am began his foundation in 2009. His foundation initially started the robotics program in a few schools. After seeing the positive outcomes, he decided to expand the program’s reach. In Will’s words,

“With robotics clubs, boys and girls can learn valuable STEM skills and how to work in teams – knowledge that helps secure college scholarships and high-paying jobs.”

Illwilly is an inspired creator and performer.

Will.I.AM is best known as Co-Founder of 1990s hip-hop supergroup Black Eyed Peas. The group’s success all began with him and two schoolmates inspiring to bring something fresh to hip-hop. According to a source, “the three friends were moved to make hip-hop with a vast multicultural mindset, blurring ethnic and genre lines.”

And although it was not easy getting buy-in from many in the hip hop community, they eventually did. The Black Eyed Peas did their thing. Their debut album, “Behind the Front” made people stop and take notice. At the time, there was no one with their flavor, mix, or sound in the market. Although showing a gradual emergence into pop, their hit “Let’s Get it Started” was electric. But it was their 2009 album E.N.D., featuring “Boom, Boom, Pow, “that had us bobbing our heads. And rightly so, as this album ranked at #1 on Billboard 100 for 26 weeks, according to a source.

William (Zuper Blahq) Adams Jr. understands that it takes a lot to make it in this world

It is not easy climbing, whether it’s from the projects, obscurity, or poverty. But, for those who do, it is a laudable achievement. However, it is the individual that remembers where they came from who wears a cloak of honor. Will is a walking demonstration of what it means to honor your roots. His foundation does not merely focus on STEM initiatives, it helps with after-school tutoring, coding courses and gives away scholarships to students.

In conclusion, a tree is nothing without the soil that holds its roots, and without seeds, there will never be a promise of the future. We are the future’s hope. In the words of Illwilly

“Every time there’s a natural disaster, the world of music comes to raise money. Every time somebody runs for president, the world of music comes to help get their candidate elected. But every day, there’s a tsunami in the hood.”

We stand with William (Illwilly) because, without a doubt, it is hard out there! And we are elated that there are people in the world like him who are holding back the wave.

Renae Richardson