Clifford Joseph Harris Jr., better known as rapper T.I., and Michael Santiago Render, who uses the moniker Killer Mike, recently teamed up with the Atlanta-based family enrichment center, PAWKids, to give assistance to those in need during the deadly coronavirus pandemic, according to Complex.
Last week, the pair set up shop in the parking lot of Bankhead Seafood where they served 500 meals to Atlanta residents. T.I. and Killer Mike also reportedly gave several families $500 in cash and also dropped off two weeks’ worth of food and hygiene products when they visited several homes in the area.
“In any crisis, black people confront dual challenges. We deal with the challenge of racism, and we deal with the crisis itself,” T.I. said in a written statement. “COVID-19 is no exception. What we saw today was an overwhelming sense of need, but also a sense of hope. We are investing in that hope and belief that tomorrow will be better than today.”
Killer Mike added, “The collaboration with PAWkids is an indication of the relationship Bankhead Seafood hopes to maintain with the local community where both me and Tip grew up. We know there are a lot of people suffering from food insecurity, and giving back is not only our responsibility but our pleasure. An added honor is supporting PAWkids, whom we like to call earth angels.”
Latonya Gates, PAWkids’ founder, and executive director explained. “I see a lot of black organizations struggling for a lack of resources. COVID-19 has given us an opportunity to serve our people. We are doing this through the support of large companies who have given up power and are allowing community-based organizations such as PAWkids to serve our people. This has allowed me to maintain employment during this crisis and decrease food insecurity.”
T.I. and Killer Mike are reportedly looking to re-open the Bankhead Seafood Market early next year after buying the restaurant back in 2018. “T.I. and I went in and bought a business and wanted to keep it going. And in the middle of that, a pandemic happened,” he told the Georgia Public Broadcasting. “So, whether money is being made the priority is human beings and people. People need to eat.”