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How About That City Of Brotherly Love - Bow Takes Philly By Storm
By William Kellibrew on 10/04/2008 @ 06:37 PM
Wow! That's all I have to say. From the moment we arrived in Philly, the city was on full notice. Bow is consistently getting his message across that registering is not only important, but simply a civic duty. He continually mentions that he is 21 and a first-time voter. As the National Black Youth! Coordinator I could not agree with him more. The more I spend time with him helping to deliver his message across America the more I am committed to being more innovative in how we get that message out there to our youth and hopefully the youth are getting it to the parents, etc.
Bow started his day by going to a few radio stations and then he went to Sneaker Villa on 56th and Market Street. You can see his trip there by going to princebow.com or scrolling down on this blog spot and looking at his direct streaming footage as he travels -- Kyte, new technology. We will talk about that later -- what an interesting device.
We were able to register a few people at Sneaker Villa. Now, although we did not register many people, this is my take. If we register just one person that is one more than we had before. If we take a look at Florida which was decided by very few votes, I believe 387 or something like that for president of the United States. Don't tell me one doesn't count. We have to register as many as we can. That's been Bow's message. His life has taken on new meaning and that meaning is something that has inspired young people to get up and get registered.
To close down Philly, Bow went on Radio One and then closed down the Fox News 29 -- Last Word show. I could not help but notice how articulate he was on that show and the more he knows everyday as he relays his message.
Now, we are headed to Richmond where we will be visiting Virginia Union and the 2nd Street Festival. I hope that we will see you there.
Next Stop Richmond and then Charlotte.
Walk Across America Visits Claflin and South Carolina State
By William Kellibrew on 10/03/2008 @ 06:37 PM
Claflin and South Carolina State University was simply amazing. Thanks to so many people on our team who made our visit to these two universities a success. On the Black Youth Vote! side, thanks to Deven Anderson, BYV! Coordinator in North Carolina. He is a graduate of SCSU and did not hesitate to help us out by contacting all of his friends and confidants to make sure we arrived with support for Bow Wow's Walk Across America tour. A special shout out to Julian Pettus and Jake Kale with Declare Yourself for their advanced lead and to all of those BYV! volunteers who helped to set up registration on both campuses. You truly understand that our vote is more important now more than ever. Lastly, thanks to everyone at those two campuses for giving breath to this great cause.
Registration wasn't the only important issue though. Everyone wanted to know about the tee-shirt and paraphernalia business. This is what we told them. It is important to know the laws in your state. It is best not to wear clothes that can be confused with campaigning for a candidate. Poll workers could very well try to deny you entrance into a polling station. It is better to be safe than sorry though. Wear your shirts either before or after you vote at your polling station. This is what Bow Wow's tour is about - awareness and Black Youth Vote! as a part of a national coalition supports this message. Educate yourself. Go to www.ncbcp.org or call 1.866.MYVOTE1 and ask the attorneys. It only takes a few moments.
Until next time.
Special Guest - Bow Wow!!!
By William Kellibrew on 10/02/2008 @ 06:37 PM
This is William again with Black Youth Vote! I have a special guest with me. Actually, I am his guest. We are on his tour bus as a part of his Walk Across America Tour. We just left Claflin University and South Carolina State University where Bow Wow walked both campuses to influence his peers to register to vote, protect their vote by understanding the laws and then Vote! So, I will proceed with a brief discussion with Bow Wow.
William: First Bow, how do you feel about what you are doing to influence your peers?
Bow Wow: I feel really good and I feel like this is something I should really be doing because I am a voice and a leader for youth; therefore, I am taking initiative to take on the responsibility. This is coming from the heart.
William: As I travel with you I have really been amazed at how receptive your fans are. They have really come out to support you. Have you been surprised about the outpouring of support you have received?
Bow Wow: Crazy! Lot of fun going to these universities. Turnouts have been massive, students are grabbing hold to every word I am saying. The reaction on the campus, students and others showing a lot of love - definitely taking all my advice in. It's just been a very humbling and exciting experience talking with my peers. We are going to keep on rocking and rolling along the journey.
William: I just have one more question, Bow, since I like to keep these blogs pretty short and sweet. What is one thing that you want your fans and those who you influence to remember about you as you travel the country on your Walk Across America Tour?
Bow Wow: That Bow Wow took the time out of his schedule to think about us and to share his opinion. It shows that he really cares. It's not just about the movies and music, but making a difference. This is my own dime and my own time with the help of organizations like Black Youth Vote and Declare Yourself. Go Vote!!!
William: Thanks a lot for the exclusive interview. I am privileged to be sitting here with you on this historic movement. Brother, you are definitely keeping it real and doing the right thing. Let's keep it moving.
Ride Through America to Walk Across America with Bow Wow
By William Kellibrew on 10/02/2008 @ 06:37 PM
It's Will Kellibrew again. Obviously, some of this trip we cannot walk. We had a pretty good ride so far. We left Atlanta, Georgia around 1:00 a.m. and we are moving right up the road. Now, we are in Raleigh, North Carolina with the Bow Wow team. Bow just happens to be slightly sleep right now, but getting rest because Philly is going to be simply busy. A few minutes ago, a few of us woke up to the morning cold that has seeped its way onto the bus. But, that wont stop us. This will be our third city where Bow is working hard to spread the message about the importance of voter registration as well as Getting Out The Vote (G.O.T.V.).
I was wondering how Bow became so informed about what is happening in our country though and why he is so passionate about his Walk Across America. What makes someone want to walk across this country when he can put his message out there in so many other ways? Well, one good reason is CNN has been on all night long. We have been listening to the political pundits and reporters assess the vice presidential debate. At 21, he realizes that now more than ever, who we elect as our leaders will actually affect our lives in some way. How do I know? Well, he talks about it constantly. He is concerned. Bow Wow actually informed his manager one day that he wanted to make a difference in this election. He proposed to walk across America and that's all his manager Michael Mauldin needed to hear. Michael ran with Bow Wow's vision and here we are just a few weeks later - Walking Across America.
We will see you in Philly soon and thanks for tuning in. I will be sure to keep you updated with the trip. Bow Wow will definitely be giving updates not only on this blog, but on his website, www.princebow.com.
For more information about this election go to our Election Center at www.ncbcp.org and get more civicly engaged by understanding your vote. Again, see you soon in Philly. We are out!
Let the Walk Begin
By William Kellibrew on 10/01/2008 @ 06:37 PM
Today is the first leg of Bow Wow's Walk Across America Voter Registration Initiative. He will begin his walk in Atlanta, GA on October 1st, Walk Across America will take Bow Wow and other citizens who are excited about the 2008 elections to cities across the United States in an effort to encourage people, especially the youth, to participate in the contests happening this November and the political process overall. For more information go to Bow Wow's website www.bowwow87.com.
Black Youth Vote! Walks With Bow Wow
By William Kellibrew on 10/01/2008 @ 06:37 PM
Wow! What a turn out! Black Youth Vote! Georgia knows how to organize. I must say that I was truly impressed with LaTosha and Helen for turning up the heat and mobilizing here in Atlanta. This is my first time organizing on this level for any election. These veterans showed me a thing or two. My hat goes off to them. For those who do not know, LaTosha and Helen represent the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation in Atlanta. Black Youth Vote! is an amazing program within the Coalition. We could not do what we do without being a coalition. (For more information on the coalition go to www.ncbcp.org. Don't forget to visit our Election Center.)
Bow Wow & Sharon in Atlanta - Election 2008
Kicking off the Walk Across America Voter Registration Initiative was definitely "hot". Black Youth Vote! young volunteers showed up in great numbers ready to walk. Everyone was anticipating Bow Wow to show up at any moment. There he was, across the street, on the horizon. Pretty cool. He did a few television and radio interviews and then the walk began.
We made stops at Georgia State led by Grace, a student, who showed us where the student hot spots were. It was pretty amazing to see folks being registered there. Grace grabbed the megaphone and just started chanting and encouraging students to register to vote. Bow Wow sat on a railing and just talked to students as if he attended the institution. It didn't take long for students to come over and get involved. We left on the next leg of our trip.
We stopped through to Georgia Tech where Matt led us through the campus. It was a huge campus and we lost our police escort. So, naturally, we used the bullhorn to make siren sounds. We met up with our escort again and Bow Wow thought of something cool - tacos. We ate tacos and chips along the way. We finished at the CNN Center where we began about eight miles earlier. We were off to Clark Atlanta from there.
By later afternoon, Clark Atlanta, Morehouse and Spelman were "jumpin". Jordan met us at the corner of MLK and James P Brawley Drive. Bow Wow did his usual - interviews. He let the public know that he was walking to bring awareness to the issues in our country as well as encourage voter registration and the importance of voting early. Georgians were voting yesterday in an amazing move to vote early.
Bow Wow in Atlanta - Election 2008
The walk through Clark Atlanta was definitely memorable. Students received Bow Wow extremely well. This walk was the slowest. With so many people interested in his cause, we could hardly walk fast. We arrived at Morehouse to attend Hump Wednesdays - where students from all three schools were gathered to listen to a DJ spin and get valuable information about upcoming events, etc. It was time to introduce Bow Wow, so Michael instructed me to grab the mic and get the party started. For those who do not know, Michael is truly the hardest working man in the business. What business? Any business. My hat goes of to Michael Mauldin too and Billie Bragg is not far behind him.
We gave a shout out to CASA, an activities group responsible for putting on the event every Wednesday. It was great seeing the comraderie and a good friend Christian Perry who heads up the event.
After talking about Declare Yourself and Black Youth Vote! it was time to introduce the guy with the vision - Bow Wow. This guy is totally humble. He doesn't want to take credit or disrupt the party. He simply wants to bring awareness. We can all respect that. He sat behind me and told me to let everybody know that we just finished walking eight miles. That was important. We just did not show up at the AUCenter without putting in some work. Bow Wow grabbed the mic, spoke about his message and stayed around for an informal dance competition or showcase. After a few photos taken with CASA and a few high school students who walked with him, we were off.
The excitement for the day was great. We looked back on the day with a complete smile, but definitely eight miles later we were all exhausted. I can speak for myself. But, I would not have changed one thing about yesterday. See you in South Carolina as we visit Claflin and South Carolina State University.
Bow Wow Partners with Black Youth Vote!
By William Kellibrew on 09/29/2008 @ 06:37 PM
Alright BYV! This is my first post. I will keep it short and sweet. This is Will Kellibrew, your brand new BYV! National Coordinator. Special thanks to Melanie and Lisa for bringing me on board to serve the ultimate cause - influencing our youth ages 18 - 35 to make a difference by registering to vote, protecting their vote and voting on Election Day 2008 and Beyond!
Today, Atlanta could not be more beautiful. Bow Wow is preparing for his Walk Across America to bring awareness to the importance of voting. His Walk focuses on voter registration and BYV! is right there to lend a helping hand. Our BYV! Coordinators will be assisting the efforts by mobilizing our teams in each state Bow visits and registering our youth to vote as they gear up for Election 2008.
Thanks to Bow, we are now partners in this amazing effort. You can be a part of the action by making sure that you are registered. Visit www.ncbcp.org and go to our Election Center where you will be able to register on the national federal registration form. It's time to be counted!!!
Just a little history - Bow made an announcement on CNN yesterday morning that he will be walking in a multitude of states to bring awareness to the importance of voting. BYV! will be registering young people to vote at each stop. Bow will start at the CNN Center in Atlanta, Georgia at approximately 12 Noon on Wednesday, 1 October, 2008 and walk until he reaches the AU Center - Clark Atlanta University and Morehouse where BYV! will be on hand to get people registered to vote. He will be making stops in Columbia, South Carolina, Philly, Richmond, Virginia, Mobile, Alabama, Nashville, Tennessee, New York and a host of other cities.
Join BYV! along the trail. Perhaps we will have a special guest blogging along the trail. You never know. Stay tuned!
Currently reading page 6 of 7.