One of New York’s biggest names in hip-hop music has launched a campaign to get guns off the streets by trading weapons for concert tickets.
The New York Daily News says Michael “Blue” Williams, president of Family Tree Entertainment, has pitched the idea for “Guns for Greatness” to the New York City Police Department. And if approved, it will be the first privately run gun buyback program in the city.
SPECIAL COVERAGE: Second Amendment and Gun Control
“We want to get as many guns off the streets, and if this works, we’d like to support it,” Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said, in the report.
Under the plan, Mr. Williams will give concert tickets from big-name stars like Beyonce to youths who turn in their guns, according to the Daily News. Program participants would also receive mentorship opportunities and guidance from hip-hop contacts, the report continues.
“The Beyonce show is coming to Brooklyn; the Jay-Z show is coming to Yankee Stadium. Our goal is to reach out to individuals who are in my industry, in my world and who I have an association with and get their support,” said Mr. Williams, according to the Daily News.
© Copyright 2013 The Washington Times, LLC. Click here for reprint permission.
Cheryl Chumley is a continuous news writer for The Washington Times. Previously, she was part of the start-up team for The Washington Times’ digital aggregation product, Times247. She’s also a 2008-2009 Robert Novak journalism fellow with The Phillips Foundation. She can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
Independent voices from the TWT Communities
Taking a deeper look at the undeniable connection between mind and body from a writer and speaker on matters of health, and a practitioner of Christian Science.
A carefully guided tour through the confusing world of modern bookselling and publishing.
Tea Party blasts IRS
22 Photos
Frederick Douglass statue unveiled
17 Photos
World's Ugliest Dog Contest
26 Photos
Spelling Bee finale
45 Photos
Marines train Afghan soldiers
4 Photos
Rolling Thunder 2013
24 Photos
