Hip-hop exec launches anti-gun crusade to trade firearms for tickets

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By Cheryl K. Chumley

The Washington Times

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

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** FILE ** New York City police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly speaks ... more >

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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.

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“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.

About the Author

Cheryl K. Chumley

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.