Free Concert Heroes; Abraham "I.B." El; Ronnie Long Comedyset

Above is Abraham "I.B." El, Caregiver, Protector and Kid Master. Huey Elementary West Philly, and Malcolm X Park salutes the El for his making kids believe they are hot when they do the right thing, stay in school, go snitching, and avoid negatives.

Free Concert Heroes; Abraham "I.B." El; Ronnie Long Comedyset
by Van Stone vspfoundation@yahoo.com (215) 747-8746

If you feel the need to see a real life hero, the kind that gives back to the community, just take a bus ride on the route 52 in West Philly to get off at the Pine Street stop. Peek inside the school there or just take a seat in the Park. It’s your choice. You will find 5 days a week, at least 3 to 5 hours a day, children laughing, learning and behaving hot. Behaving hot, is another way that it’s explained to kids that they are behaving respectfully, and true to themselves that they are gonna avoid trouble regardless of where they live in a world that’s not all good. Through the vision and the talent of Music Coordinator, Mr. Abraham "I.B." El, our children learn to craft their ideas and hopes for peace in our streets into very rhythmic and motivating Hip-Hop songs.

Abraham, a caregiver at the Children’s Services, Inc., Conflict Resolution Process After School, Sankofa Summer Camp, and Positive Youth Development Program, has saved many young lives from despair using his very tall stature, cool hairstyle, and trained voice command as tools of the hero trade. Weekly "I.B." El ensures that before the end of each day our children are encouraged to express themselves in a very positive manner, knowing that their songs can be that "Ray of Hope" that will help change our community for the better. Abraham believes in a program system that prepares our children for very inspirational and motivational performances. Not only can you find El promoting free concerts starring young children at the Samuel B. Huey Elementary School, 52nd and Pine Street on Sunday, June 24th, 2007 a Special Performance Showcase for Peace at the Rotunda, 4014 Walnut Street, West Philadelphia, University City District will take place from 3:00pm to 7:00pm. Why the shows free for all ages?

Well, let's just get to know Abraham, aka "the I.B." a bit. Abraham was born in Augusta, Ga. February 26 1980 and raised in the roughest parts of Philadelphia. As apart of a large musical family, Abe, as he is also called, A.k.a. I.B. found his love for Hip-Hop at the early age of six years old. Abraham realized that Hip Hop could be an effective tool for learning when he taught a fourth grade child their ABC, s through Hip Hop while volunteering as a teacher assistant. Abraham has attended college and is currently working on his degree in social work. Abraham started and funded "Thurobred Kids" an organization that provides positive alternative activities for West Philadelphia youth. He is proud of his first CD, "Operation Freedom" on Akhenation records. While remaining highly spirited and dedicated to the youth Abraham El dreams of one day opening a super recreation center in Philly and other cities. The "Thurobred Kids" have performed for other elementary schools, senior centers, community festivals, summer camps, special needs centers and parents and children who really need to hear the stop the violence, and go snitching message of Peace. "Bro. I.B. Hip Hop All Stars" are prepared to bring that positive message to anyone who is ready to listen. Speaking of listening: kids listening to Long? What?

Ronnie Long that is. Take that same route 52 bus the other direction, get off the Parkside Avenue stop. One of Philly’s most powerful comedians when Philadelphia Comedy was still in its infancy during the hot that helped kids to the right thing was Mr. Ronny Long. Long has used comedy to help parents find a smooth way to promote anti-violence. He uses jokes explaining that people who makes threats or engage in violent acts will be removed pretty much to jail.

Ronnie says, "A LONG STORY is Ronnie's one-man comedy show and CD taping." There is free admission at the Cornucopia, 4942 Parkside Avenue, and it was a free show this past Saturday, June 16. Ronnie Long will use some of his comedyset community support to educate and inspire kids to believe in themselves and set goals early. He donates his time at Camp VPAL, 52nd and Pine St. Huey Elementary and the Malcolm X Park. Both Long and Abraham El, are kicking off peace for kids.