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FinalCall.com News
Entertainment News
Ludacris: We all can help someone
By Majidah Muhammad and Nisa Islam Muhammad
Updated Sep 17, 2009 - 7:36:11 AM
ATLANTA (FinalCall.com) - The hip hop artist Ludacris, the Ludacris Foundation, and Nissan South partnered over the Labor Day weekend to give away 20 used vehicles in what was “Luda Day” weekend for Metro Atlanta area residents.
“My foundation's Luda Cares Initiative is dedicated to supporting youth and families in need,” said Chris “Ludacris” Bridges.
The Sept. 5 event was a chance to celebrate with friends and ardent fans and help the community out through the “Ludacris Stimulus Plan.”
“Our major focus is youth and supporting the family structure,” explained the rapper's mother, Roberta Shields, who is also president of the Ludacris Foundation. The foundation helps people year round.
“This year we wanted to do something to help youth and families manage during these tough economic times. Having a vehicle to get back and forth to work and daycare can make the difference in getting and keeping a job,” she explained.
Ludacris put the call out in August for people to write essays saying why they deserved to win a car. The call was blasted on radio stations throughout Atlanta and all over Twitter.
Four thousand people didn't hesitate to write about their situations. Many wrote the Ludacris Foundation with touching stories about why they needed a vehicle. Every story was different, from single moms trying to take care of their children to a dad caring for a son with autism.
Miriam Muhammad, the daughter of Atlanta's Muhammad Mosque No. 15 Student Minister Abdul Sharrieff Muhammad, wrote a letter about the kindness and generosity of her older brother Joshua toward his younger brother Rashad who was shot last year and was confined to a wheelchair.
“I wrote the letter because as soon as I saw Ludacris post the link to the giveaway on Twitter, I immediately thought of Joshua. He did not have a car but never let that break his spirit or stop his stride. I am not sure exactly what I wrote in the letter because I wrote it on the go from my cell phone and did not have a rough draft, I really didn't even think my essay would win but Allah (God) placed it on my heart to submit it anyway,” she told The Final Call.
“I mentioned in the letter the sacrifices Joshua made when our younger brother Rashad was shot. He quit his job and never left Rashad's bedside. This has been very instrumental in Rashad's recovery process physically, emotionally, and spiritually.”
Rashad is now out of the wheel chair now and taking steps.
“Too often we admire famous people and praise them while neglecting to celebrate our loved ones. I wanted to surprise Joshua and show him that our family appreciates his hard work, dutifulness and giving heart. Joshua has been through many trials and this is just a demonstration on a minor level that surely after difficulty comes ease. We thank Allah (God) for this blessing,” explained Ms. Muhammad.
The car giveaway kicked off as the winners and their families gathered at Nissan South. Ludacris spoke to the crowd of screaming fans and family members before winners received their keys.
He thanked the media for being there to document a positive event.
Ludacris decided to give away cars for many reasons, one being he wanted to answer the call of President Obama to give back. He understands that the president cannot help the country alone. His parting words of wisdom to the crowd were, “We all can do something to help someone.”
All of the cars were clean, passed emissions tests and Georgia State safety requirements. Each vehicle donated also carried a standard 30-day power-train warranty and free gas for 30 days. Winning applicants were responsible for tax, registration, tags and insurance.
Each contestant was called to the stage to receive his or her key. The cars varied in make, model and year, from Nissan Maximums to Ford Explorers. Contestants received their type of car based on their family size.
Many contestants expressed gratitude to Ludacris, but mainly to God. They were very thankful and felt that their lives were forever changed.
