Author Topic: First Day Of Warren G Week In Long Beach.......................  (Read 188 times)

2paclbc

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By Kevin Butler
Staff writer

LONG BEACH — A rap mogul and a Super Bowl champion joined forces Monday to benefit Long Beach kids.
New England Patriots linebacker Willie McGinest and performer Warren G, both of whom grew up in Long Beach, have worked together to establish the Willie McGinest Freedom School, a summer enrichment program that opened Monday at Sutter Elementary School in North Long Beach.

Warren G whose full name is Warren Griffin III and McGinest's mother, father and sister were on hand to formally open the monthlong program, designed mainly for third-to-sixth graders.

"It's a chance for me to give back in a good way, helping these kids get an education," the rapper said.

McGinest was unable to attend the event because he is at the Patriots' training camp in Foxborough, Mass.

Mayor Beverly O'Neill, four Long Beach City Council members, the Rev. O. Leon Wood Jr. and about 80 parents, community members and kids gathered at the school at 5075 Daisy Ave. for a ceremony stressing the importance of such programs.

The McGinest Freedom School, part of a network of 70 such programs nationwide supported by the Children's Defense Fund, has 55 kids enrolled so far.

The program makes "you understand that there is something inside you that is so strong that if you just give it a little effort … you can make it," said Wood, pastor and founder of the North Long Beach Community Prayer Center.

Among the school's activities are weekly field trips to places such as the Aquarium of the Pacific and the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles, said program director Byron Briggs.

Wood became involved in the program after his daughter Stacey taught for two years at a Freedom School in Pennsylvania.

Through personal connections, he was introduced to Warren G and McGinest.

"The whole purpose of the program is educational enrichment so when they start school in the fall, they will have a greater enthusiasm to learn and be successful," Wood said.

Although the program focuses on children grades three through six, older children have been accepted into a newly created class, Briggs said. The summer program is continuing to accept students, who can enroll at a any time, said Briggs, an assistant principal at Cabrillo High School.

In addition to field trips to cultural attractions, Briggs plans to have the children volunteer at convalescent homes to get a better idea of how different kinds of people live, he said.

The Freedom School curriculum focuses on literacy while promoting cultural awareness and social action, according to the Children's Defense Fund.

Besides Warren G and McGinest, other financial supporters of the project include Superior Super Warehouse and Al Williams Productions.

The event kicked off a week of community activities involving Warren G. On Wednesday, the rapper will speak to a Boys and Girls Club. On Thursday, he will coach and play in a midnight basketball league game.

Friday is "Warren G Day at the Queen Mary' when Long Beach residents can show a utility bill or identification and get a free self-guided tour of the ship.

On Saturday, beginning at 7 p.m., a concert will be held at the Queen Mary Seawalk featuring Warren G.

Proceeds from the concert, which also will feature local acts, will go to the Willie McGinest Freedom School.

Tickets can be purchased for $40 at the Queen Mary ticket booths from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or by contacting the Queen Mary Special Events Department at (562) 499-1650.

Tickets are also available at the following locations: International Realty & Investment, Inc., 1100 E. Wardlow Rd. in Long Beach, call (562) 427-8626 for information; and Success in Challenges, Inc. 5239 Atlantic Ave., in Long Beach, call (562) 423-1030 or (562) 423-8111 for more information.

Parents seeking more information about the McGinest Freedom School are asked to call Briggs or Wood at (562) 423-1030


Article Published: Monday, August 01, 2005 - 4:57:36 PM PST
www.presstelegram.com


 

Tha G In Deee

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Re: First Day Of Warren G Week In Long Beach.......................
« Reply #1 on: August 02, 2005, 03:26:01 PM »
Good to hear Warren G's giving back & everything's going well with his week...
 

Lucien

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Re: First Day Of Warren G Week In Long Beach.......................
« Reply #2 on: August 02, 2005, 04:17:32 PM »
damn Warren's getting old on that pic...
but it was a good day for him...  :)
 

Diggfinger

Re: First Day Of Warren G Week In Long Beach.......................
« Reply #3 on: August 02, 2005, 04:25:55 PM »
Congrats to Warren for this. Must be a huge honour

 

Eddie G.

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Re: First Day Of Warren G Week In Long Beach.......................
« Reply #4 on: August 02, 2005, 08:39:58 PM »
I still cant get over how awesome this is for Warren G.
 

DLC

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Re: First Day Of Warren G Week In Long Beach.......................
« Reply #5 on: August 02, 2005, 09:19:49 PM »
Big ups to Warren G

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