Afro-punk reaches Chicago to spread the word

AUG.28.2010: After three big promo events to get more New Yorkers aware of youth homelessness, some of the Afro-punk staff set off to Chicago to continue our volunteer campaign. The next volunteer registration event was at Beauty Bar, hosted by one of our favorite rappers, Hollywood Holt. It was also Hollywood's mix tape release party, so we knew it would be a night of positive fun, madness, and good times.

Afro-punk reaches Chicago to spread the word

photos Shawn Peters

(event flyer!)

(Afro-punk staff members, Whitney Summer and Shawn Peters on the flight to Chicago for next mission)

(We caught a quick glimpse of the Chicago skyline!)

Aug.29.2010: Afro-punk hits up Beauty Bar and meets up with Hollywood Holt for his album release party and for our youth homeless awareness campaign. Tons of folks showed up to this event to register to volunteer in Chicago. It was a sick celebration!

Hollywood Holt was in full support of our campaign, saying, nothing hurts more than when you're young and you don't know where you are going to sleep at night. Nigel is a rapper and MC from Chicago and has toured with many rappers, including Kid Cudi, and is known for his high energy on and off of the stage. Nigel says he is in full support of youth homeless awareness because teens don't always have a choice for why they are homeless, many times, adults do. He says people do not understand the importance of helping teens who are on the streets because you would never know if a teen was homeless. Some teens have no options," Hollywood said, "Like, if their parents mess up, it's not their fault that they have no where to stay. It's in our best efforts to help."

(Hear what Hollywood Holt feels about Afro-punk, explicit language, be advised)

(Hosted by Hollywood Holt and DJ Million $ Mano)

Even more volunteers came out to register for our youth homeless awareness campaign. One Chicago volunteer, C.J, is from Chicago and started an after school program eight years ago for teens. Aside from having his own after school program, C.J is also a professional break dancer. His program, Connect Force, helps teens with their homework along with teaching them break dancing classes and all facets of hip hop. C.J. believes that helping the youth in any way is the biggest way to help the world.

Another registered Chicago volunteer, Ephraim, is the owner of his own promotion company in Chicago called KDM. Ephraim is originally from Texas and said he grew up in a Mexican family who were poor, but always had a roof over their head. Any chance that Ephrain can help those in need, he says, he is there.

Registered volunteer, Princess is a fashion designer in Chicago. She believes that people should be aware of youth homelessness because it may seem like a small thing, but if people came together to help, it would make a big difference in someone's life.

Thanks to everyone who came out in Chicago for this event. There are two more volunteer events in Chicago on September 5 and September 11th. Click here to register.

For the full collection of pictures of us in Chicago, click here!