(AllHipHop News) Rapper MC Lyte and singer Kenny Lattimore will help launch the iLEAD youth program in Johannesburg, South Africa next week. iLEAD is a collaborative project of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and Valiant Innovative Creations. The eight day event is a component of the TMCF’s Payne Global Initiative.
iLEAD will tour South Africa from June 10-17. Over 1000 teachers, parents, and students ranging from 7th grade to college will participate in free forums, panel discussions, and a celebrity meet and greet.
Each event will center around iLEAD’s five core attributes: Inspiration, Leadership, Education, Aspiration, and Determination. Professionals from different fields will address the attendees to offer their personal insight on how to become the global leaders of the future.
“As an entertainer and entrepreneur, I have spent my life finding ways to motivate the next generation,” said committed youth advocate MC Lyte in a statement. “I am extremely excited about joining this tour and being a part of the TMCF initiative in South Africa. I encourage other celebrities to use their star power for great initiatives like this one.”
Other celebrities scheduled to participate at iLEAD include performer Lil Mama, political commentator Jeff Johnson, and South African producer/DJ Vinny da Vinci.
Organizers plan to make iLEAD an annual event during South Africa’s Youth Month with the goal of expanding to other countries including the United States.
“International collaborations, like TMCF’s iLEAD – South Africa program, continue to further extend our footprint in the international education arena,” said TMCF President & CEO Johnny C. Taylor, Jr. “We are excited to collaborate with partners in other countries to open doors for exchange between TMCF member-schools and students from all over the world — engaging them in the opportunities offered by TMCF and the nation’s public HBCUs.”
More information about TMCF’s iLEAD visit thurgoodmarshallfund.net.