(AllHipHop News) There has been a lot of discussion about the new partnership between Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter’s Roc Nation and the National Football League. One of the main complaints centered around the public not being aware of how the deal will actually create positive change in local communities.
A new report from TMZ reveals the alliance’s initial attempt at helping people through the Inspire Change initiative. According to the website, the NFL and Roc Nation are donating $400,000 to two Chicago groups focused on assisting at-risk children.
Hip Hop artists Rapsody and Vic Mensa are set to visit Better Boys Foundation (BBF) Family Services on Wednesday. The next day Philadelphia rapper Meek Mill and Pop singer Meghan Trainor will stop by Crusher’s Club.
On September 5, Inspire Change advocates Meek Mill, Meghan Trainor, and Rapsody will also perform a free concert at Grant Park in Chicago. The “NFL Kickoff Experience” will be part of the Chicago Bears versus Green Bay Packers pregame show airing on NBC and the NFL Network.
Inspire Change focuses on education and economic advancement, police and community relations, and criminal justice reform. Roc Nation, the National Football League, and the Players Coalition will supposedly donate to two organizations in every NFL city.
In addition, the Roc Nation/NFL cooperative announced the launch of Inspire Change apparel and Songs of the Season. All proceeds from the songs will go toward Inspire Change. Proceeds from the apparel line will fund and support Inspire Change programs.
“With its global reach, the National Football League has the platform and opportunity to inspire change across the country,” said Jay-Z in a statement. “Roc Nation has shown that entertainment and enacting change are not mutually exclusive ideas – instead, we unify them. This partnership is an opportunity to strengthen the fabric of communities across America.”
