Written by | Ray Cornelius
Tuesday afternoon T.I. joined forces with Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed to present his 11th Annual Turkey Giveaway. The event took place at the Adamsville Recreation Center on the Westside of Atlanta. The Grammy-winning rapper was joined by his family—Tiny, Mama T.I., Precious, Kairi, Messiah, Dejah and Domani—as well as a host of city officials including Councilman C.T. Martin (District 10), Commissioner Andrea Boone, and Atlanta Board of Education’s Steven D. Lee (District 5). Also in attendance was First Lady, Sarah-Elizabeth Reed and baby daughter, Maria Kristan Reed.
Turkeys and Collard Greens were provided by Walmart
Hundreds of Turkey and Collard Greens, sponsored by Walmart, were distributed to grandparents, who are raising grandchildren and other deserving Atlantans. The seniors were helped by a pop warner football team and T.I.’s Hustle Gang.
Domani performed “Roll Wit Me” and “All About Domani” for the senior audience
“Now more than ever it’s important for us to give thanks and to give to one another and those families who are in need. Our annual turkey drive means a lot to me and I will continue to grow my efforts in my community not just during the holiday season but year-round,” says T.I.
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed with First Lady Sarah-Elizabeth Reed
Yesterday’s activities included an appearance by the Atlanta Falcon’s Bird Lady and her dance troupe, a DJ spinning old school hits, and an impromptu performance from T.I.’s son, Domani, who performed “Roll Wit Me” and ‘All About Domani.” There were also a few words from C.T. Martin, Amy Phong, Commissioner of the Department of Park and Recreation and Keisha Riley from Georgia Peach Agency, who reminded the seniors about affordable healthcare.
T.I. and Mayor Reed handing out Turkeys to grandparent raising grandchildren
During the festivities, T.I. did get serious and talked to the Atlanta press about the Mike Brown situation in Ferguson, MI. “It is a travesty. It pains everyone that looks at it and it’s a reflection of how our lives as young black men are devalued by authorities in America. Something definitely has to be done.”
T.I.’s sister Precious, his son Domani and daughter Dejah handing out turkeys
If you recall, T.I. was one of the first celebrities to respond creatively to the Ferguson crisis by writing a song that he appropriately called, New National Anthem. Check out a few photos below from yesterday’s Thanksgiving Turkey and Collard Green Giveaway:
C.T. Martin (center) flanked by Community Leader Ms. Jamilah and Coach
Pop Warner Football team assisted the seniors with their turkey and collard greens
Steven D. Lee led the group in a prayer
Mayor Kasim Reed addressing the attendees
T.I. with Mayor Kasim Reed talking to the grandparents receiving the turkeys
Baby Maria Kristan Reed giving us a beautiful smile
T.I. received a plaque for his philanthropic efforts. The drive marked the 11th year he has hosted the giveaway
T.I. taking a picture with his Hustle Gang
Photo Credits: RayCornelius.com