By Roman Wolfe
Reformed Gangsta rapper Master P. was rewarded for his community work over the weekend, when he received the key to the city of Memphis, Tennessee.
Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton presented Master P. with the key on Saturday (August 1) during the first annual "Let The Kids Grow Day," which was held at the Mud Island Amphitheatre.
The goal of the free back-to-school event was to spread positive messages about education and to steer elementary and middle school children away from drugs and crime.
"No other rapper or entertainer is as committed to the community as Master P and I am proud of him," Mayor Herenton said. "Master P changed his life and took the negativity out of his music but stayed true to the hood."
The event also drew out a number of influential supporters, including Memphis City Schools Superintendent Kriner Cash, as well as Memphis native Morgan Freeman, who attended the event with his granddaughter.
The children were also entertained by Master P.'s son Romeo, as well as the new character they've created, Gee Gee the Giraffe.
"My mission is to give inner-city kids a jump on education and the best possible start," said Miller. "I want those kids and my own kids to be better than me. I've been luckier than most to have a second chance at life. We train our kids to be good athletes, why can't we train our kids to be good students."
The 1st annual "Let The Kids Grow Day" was sponsored by P. Miller Clothing, Jim Finkl Enterprises, Heal the Hood Foundation, and Wal-Mart.