Ja Rule Helps Kids In L.I.F.E.

L.I.F.E., a non-profit organization that aims to provide youth with extracurricular outlets and educational incentives, held a celebration at York College in Jamaica on January 15 in honor of the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Hip hop star Ja Rule addressed the crowd, telling them of L.I.F.E.s program to send 150 of the most improved students (in the areas of behavior, attendance and participation) to Puerto Rico in August, all expenses paid. His words served to inspire the youth of southeast Queens to aspire to learn, achieve and succeed.
The event also served as the official kick-off of the organization, whose mission is to provide Queens youth with resources, opportunity and positivity.
It featured talents in rap, poetry and song competing for the opportunity to perform at the Block Party 4 L.I.F.E. concert, a fund-raising event, at Nassau Coliseum. The winners will open for acts such as Ja Rule, Ashanti, and Lil Jon.
Performers at the York College event included the Kek-da Childrens Dance Co., the Baisely Bombers, and Sparkle.
L.I.F.E., which stands for "Love Ignites Freedom & Education," is the result of cooperative efforts by activist Ericka Ford and Ja Rule. The organizations motto is "Its time to educate, not incarcerate."
"L.I.F.E. started last summer, when, in conjunction with The CODE Foundation and Kids Rule, we sent kids to basketball camp," said Ford. "But Ive been involved since 1987 because a lot of my friends were killed on the streets. I wanted to provide a better environment for people who come after me."
Ford actively recruits students to become members of L.I.F.E. Not only does she visit schools, but she also goes out to the streets to get kids involved.
Toya Mobley, a former L.I.F.E. volunteer and member, said of the program: "They should have a program like L.I.F.E. at every schoolits an outlet that helps kids academically and socially. If L.I.F.E. werent around, a lot of kids would have nowhere to go."
In addition to working out of August Martin High School and running a weekly program out of York College that includes rap sessions, workshops and tutoring, L.I.F.E. offers scholarships, incentives and financial help that extends through college.
But Ford is not stopping there. She hopes to open a 24-hour L.I.F.E. School/Center, and extend the program nationwide.
Her goals for the organization are supported by Councilman Leroy Comrie. In fact, he was one of the sponsors of the event. "I try to support everything shes doing," said Comrie. "Its of the utmost importance that we reach out to Queens youth and try to find creative ways for them to utilize their talents."
Ford places emphasis on the importance of education and self respect, and she imparts this to all L.I.F.E. members. "There is a large drop-out rate," said Ford. "We want to encourage kids to go to school and improve themselves."
Dr. Robert Hampton, president of York College, recognized the efforts of Ford, Ja Rule, and all involved in the L.I.F.E. program by saying, "We in this community must empower ourselves to take back our streets and to make a difference. It is important for all of us to recognize that this is an important community initiative. I want to congratulate all of those responsible for organizing this event and those who will continue to do all they can to ensure our streets and communities remain safe for our children, for our families and for future generations."