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I WILL GRADUATE Youth Development Program Introduces Attendance, Academic & Athletic Incentive Program

Published

4 months ago

January 28, 2025

This program brings together Rebook, Nautica and Vince Camuto’s global influence, VampCares deep community roots and I WILL GRADUATE’s expertise in youth development.

(New York, NY- January 28, 2025- I WILL GRADUATE Youth Development Program today announces the Attendance, Academic, & Athletic Incentive Program (AAA). This initiative aims to empower New York City’s youth by rewarding excellence in school attendance, academic performance, and athletic engagement.

This Partnership addresses critical challenges like chronic absenteeism while fostering a culture of achievement, engagement, and resilience. This program will empower youth to achieve success by promoting consistent attendance, academic growth and athletic participation through encourangement, recognition and rewards, ultimately creating school environments where these elements are championed as interconnected pillars of student success.

The AAA Program features a unique school-based point system where students earn points for consistent attendance, strong academic efforts, and participation in extracurriculars. To combat truancy, the program includes mentorship opportunities, interactive events, and celebrity guest visits by figures like Jim Jones to motivate students and highlight the value of hard work. The initiative will launch in Harlem as a tribute to Jones’ dedication to his community and will expand to select New York City schools, blending mentorship, motivation, and engaging activities to inspire academic and personal excellence.

“Harlem is my heart, and the youth here deserve every opportunity to shine,” said Jim Jones, founder of VampCares. This program is about investing in our kids, giving them tools to succeed, and showing them that their efforts will always be celebrated.”

Renowned for hosting the largest annual youth empowerment event in New York City, the I WILL GRADUATE Youth Development Program has 20-year proven track record of fostering academic success, personal growth, and resilience in student. through a combination of mentorship, skill-building workshops, educational support, and community engagement, I WILL GRADUATE empowers young people to overcome obstacles and reach their full potential. With a commitment to improving attendance, academic performance, and overall well-being, the program has positively impacted thousands of students. Its partnership with, Reebok, Nautica, Vince Camuto and VampCares will further expand its mission, bringing invaluable resources to schools in need and extending its reach to new audiences, ensuring even more students benefit from I WILL GRADUATE’S transformative impact.

“I am grateful to be partnering with Reebok, Nautica, Vince Camuto and VampCares on this initiative, said Tonya-Lewis-Taylor, Executive Director of I WILL GRADUATE. “Empowering our youth is at the heart of the work we do, and this collaboration will provide students with the tools, mentorship and resources they need to succeed both in and out of the classroom. Every student deserves the opportunity to thrive, and we are committed to continuing our work to ensure they have the support and encouragement to reach their fullest potential.”

The AAA Program is more than an initiative-its a promise to uplift, inspire, and transform the lives of New York City’s youth. By combining the influence of global brands, passionate leaders and community-driven programs, the partnership aims to create a brighter future, one student at a time.

About the Entertainers For Education Alliance, Inc./I WILL GRADUATE Youth Development Program

Entertainers 4 Education Alliance, Inc./I WILL GRADUATE (E4EA-IWG) headquartered in New York City, is a 501 (c)(3) founded by Tonya Lewis-Taylor and her husband, J.P. Taylor, have dedicated over 15 years to serving and empowering students, families and the community through their youth development programs, arts-in-education, college and career guidance, mentoring, parent engagement, school and community workshops, exciting events, and the use of multimedia platforms. We also enlist the talents, and resources of the music and entertainment industry along with prominent high-profile individuals to stress the importance and coolness of being educated- “Smart is the New Cool.”

About Jim Jones & VampCares

Jim Jones is a Hip Hop Icon, television star, entrepreneur, and entertainment mogul, best known as a founding member The Diplomats. With chart-topping hits like “We Fly High” and “Pop Champagne,” Jim has expanded his influence into business, including ventures like VampLife Clothing, Vamp Fit, and his wellness brand. As the founder of VampCares, he is deeply committed to giving back to inner-city youth and fostering positive change. Jim’s most recent music projects include Back in My Prime and collaborations with EMPIRE, consistently earning critical acclaim. @jimjonescapo. VampCares is the philanthropic organization founded by Jim Jones, dedicated to empowering underserved communities. VampCares focuses on youth development, education, wellness, and mentorship initiatives. Through strategic partnerships, innovative programs, and hands-on engagement, the organization works to uplift inner-city youth and provide resources that foster academic, personal, and professional growth. VampCares is committed to creating lasting change and inspiring the next generation to dream big, work hard and achieve greatness.

About Reebok

Reebok is an iconic and irreverent sports culture brand with a rich and storied fitness heritage dating back 1895. Founded on athletic footwear that changed the direction of sport, Reebok continues to introduce innovations that propel the industry forward. Today, Reebok sits at the intersection of active lifestyle and sport, offering high quality and modern styles that are adaptable for every occasion. The brand strives to deliver every athlete, from professionals to enthusiasts, with the opportunity, products and inspiration to reach their full potential. Reebok currently operates in 80 countries with approximately 400 freestanding stores around the world.

For more information, visit Reebok.com or for the latest news at News.Reebok.com. Discover Reebok on Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

About Nautica

Drawing from the essence of the water and the currents of the world. Nautica is a global lifestyle brand creates style that’s iconic, yet modern and innovative in its fit, feel and function. Nautica is one of the most recognized American brands in the world, with over 70 categories including apparel, accessories and a home collection for men, women and children. Nautica is available in nearly 1,300 freestanding stores and shop-inshops in more than 30 countries worldwide, as well as on nautica.com.

Follow @nautica on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

About Vince Camuto

Vince Camuto is an aspirational lifestyle brand known for its signature craftsmanship and stand-out style. Sexy, bold and youthful, the acclaimed designer brand blends European styling with on-trend details and an element of sophistication. The brand has successfully transcended its distinctive women’s collections and today offers a broad range of products including footwear, apparel and accessories for women, men and children, as well as fragrance and home decor. The brand can be found in deparment stores and specialty retailers across North America and select international regions, as well as, on vincecamuto.com. Follow Vince Camuto on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

For media inquiries or additional information, please contact:

For Jim Jones

Chanel Pettaway 917-690-0059 [email protected]

ForE4EA/I WILL GRADUATE Youth Development Program/Tonya Lewis-Taylor

Ayanna Camera 718-385-3133 [email protected]

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Thirteen-Time Grammy Winner Babyface and Six-Time Hip Hop Award Winner Busta Rhymes Join 2025 Apollo Spring Benefit Honoring Music Legend Clive Davis

Benefit Marks Last Fundraiser in the Apollo Theater Before Historic Renovations. Teyana Taylor to Receive Inaugural Innovator Award

Published

5 days ago

May 19, 2025

Adavie Gutierrez

New York, NY–May 19, 2025 – Thirteen-time Grammy-Winner Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds will join Grammy-winning, multiplatinum recording artist Monica to present music legend CliveDavis with the Apollo Theatre’s special Legacy Award honor at the 2025 Apollo Spring Benefit on June 4 at 7:00 PM. The Apollo simultaneously announced that six-time hip-hop Award winner, Busta Rhymes all headline a special performance tribute to Davis featuring Deborah Cox, Shosahna Bean, and others.

The widely anticipated event– the last before the globally renewed 91-year-old theatre’s historic renovation –will also feature the induction of Davis into the Apollo’s Walk of Fame by Gamma Co-Founder, Larry Jackson and iconic music executive, L.A. Reid, as well as the presentation of the inaugural Innovator Award to multi-talented singer, songwriter, actor and director, Teyana Taylor.

Clive Davis is being recognized by The Apollo for his pivotal role shaping the careers of many of contemporary music’s most iconic Black artists. With a career spanning over six decades, Davis visionary leadership and unwavering belief in talent, equality and bridging gaps between audiences have left and indelible mark on the soundtrack of our lives.

“It’s a deeply meaningful moment,” said Michelle Ebanks, President & CEO of The Apollo. “To see visionary leaders and legendary artist unite on the stage–honoring the remarkable work of Clive Davis, the ingenious spirit of Teyana Taylor, and the iconic legacy of The Apollo. It will be a powerful celebration of music’s transformative influence on culture and boundless creativity that shapes our world.”

From the earliest days at Columbia Records, through his groundbreaking work at Arista and J Records, and currently, as Sony Music Entertainment’s Worldwide Creative Director, Davis has consistently championed Black artists. His keen ear and deep respect for artistry have helped launch, elevate or reenergize the careers of such legends as Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Alicia Keys, Earth, Wind & Fire, Miles Davis, Dionne Warwick, Usher, Gamble & Huff, Ray Parker, Jr., Jennifer Hudson, Herbie Hancock, Fantasia, Toni Braxton, Outkast and TLC, among many others.

Davis has a special personal connection to “Babyface” Edmonds and Larry Jackson. In 1989, Edmonds cofounded Laface Records with L.A Reid through a major joint venture with Davis’ for Arista Records. The record label was a catalyst for Atlanta’s burgeoning music industry, signing renowned global artist such as Usher, TLC, Toni Braxton, and more. Davis mentored Jackson which culminated in his driving critical A&R work for RCA Music Group and Sony Music that propelled the superstardom of Santana, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin,Dionne Warwick and many more.

Other performances throughout the evening will include an opening sequence from Martha Redbone and Grammy-winning singer Avery Sunshine, tributes to the late and great Richard Parsons featuring 8x Grammy nominee, The Baylor Project, and other special features from 4x Tony nominated director and choreographer, Camile A. Brown & Dancers. D-Nice will return to DJ the Spring Benefit’s official after party.

This year’s Spring Benefit will be The Apollos final fundraiser before embarking on the first full-scale renovation in its 90-year history. The renovation marks a new chapter for the iconic theater – continuing to honor its rich legacy while bringing forward the new enhanced audience experiences.

All proceeds will support the non-profit organization’s year-round, world-class artistic, education, and community programs, as well as its commitment to articulating and projecting the African American narrative using arts and culture and creating a 21st century performing arts canon.

The Spring Benefit begins with red carpet arrivals at 4:30pm, Clive Davis’ induction ceremony at 5:30PM, followed by the Benefit concert and awards ceremony at 7:00 PM.

Watch for upcoming announcements as the Apollo unveils a thrilling line -up of special honorees and performers. Visit www.ApolloTheatre.org for more information. To purchase benefit tickets, make a donation, or for more information, visit https://www.apollotheatre.org/benefit-2025.

For exclusive photos, updates and more use hashtag #ApolloSpringBenefit and follow The Apollo:

Instagram.com/apollotheater

Facebook.com/apollotheater

Youtube.com/apollotheater

About The Apollo

The legendary Apollo –the soul of American culture –plays a vital role in cultivating emerging artist and launching legends. Since its founding, The Apollo has served as a center of innovation and creative catalyst for Harlem, the city of New York,and the world. In 2024, The Apollo opened The Apollo Stages at the Victoria Theatre,making the first ever expansion in its 90-year history. The Apollo also has plans to renovate its Historic Theater. For more information about The Apollo visit www.ApolloTheatre.org.

With music at its core. The Apollo’s programming extends to dance, theater, spoken word, and more. This includes the world premiere of the theatrical adaptation of Ta-Nehisi Coates’s Between the World and Me and the New York premiere of the opera We Shall Not Be Moved; special programs such as the blockbuster concert Bruno Mars Live at The Apollo; 100: The Apollo Celebrates Ella; and the annual Africa Now! Festival. The non-profit Apollo is a performing arts presenter, commissioner, and collaborator that also produces festivals, large-scale dance and musical works organized around a set of core initiatives that celebrate and extend The Apollo’s legacy through a contemporary lens, including the Women of the World (WOW) Festival as well as other multidisciplinary collaborations with partner organizations.

Since introducing the first Amateur Night contests in 1934, The Apollo has served as a testing ground for new artist working across a variety of art forms and has ushered in the emergence of many new musical genres–including jazz, swing, bebop, R&B, gospel, blues, soul, and hip-hop. Among the countless legendary performers who launched their careers at The Apollo are Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, Luther Vandross, H.E.R. D’Angelo, Lauryn Hill, Jazmine Sullivan, Machine Gun Kelly, and Miri Ben Ari, and The Apollo’s forward-looking artistic vision continues to build on this legacy. For More information about The Apollo, visit www.ApolloTheater.org.