Michael “Blue” Williams Initiates “Guns For Greatness” Buyback And Mentoring Program
Entertainment executive Michael “Blue” Williams plans to heal the hood in one of the most positive efforts put out by a Hip-Hop mogul.
The one time manager of OutKast and head of Family Tree Entertainment has put forward an initiative called “Guns For Greatness” to help gun buyback programs by offering mentorships and concert tickets to those who turn in illegal weapons.
Speaking with The New York Daily News, Michael “Blue” Williams plans to use his huge rolodex of high-profile industry connects like Beyoncé and Jay-Z to help bring this program to light.
“The Beyoncé show is coming to Brooklyn; the Jay-Z show is coming to Yankee Stadium. Our goal is to reach out to individuals who are in my industry, in my world and who I have an association with and get their support.”
While many buyback programs are sponsored by the government, Guns for Greatness would be the first private gun buyback in New York City although still aided by the police department.
Michael “Blue”Williams held a meeting with the NYPD on Friday and sent a written proposal for Guns to Greatness to the city’s police commissioner, Raymond Kelly.
Excerpts from the letter read:
“This program aims to provide young people with an opportunity to receive guidance and inspiration from committed mentors, an important option that will enable them to experience possibilities other than a life surrounded by gun violence and unnecessary shootings and killing.
In my perfect world, I’d love to have a gift package for signing up for the mentorship program that is worth way more than $250. I think that when you’re dealing with younger people, you have to offer a little more to incentivize them.”
Wanting to make a change and stop the senseless killing running rampant throughout New York and The United States, Michael “Blue” Williams wants to show kids another route to life other than guns and the streets.
The letter was co-signed by community leaders including former federal prosecutor Kenneth Thompson. Guns for Greatness has also received support from record labels, New York City radio station Hot 97 and the International House of Pancakes.
“We want to get as many guns off the streets, and if this works, we’d like to support it,” Kelly told the New York Daily News.
New York has a policy where handguns and assault rifles can be dropped off anonymously 24 hours a day, seven days a week at any city precinct, in exchange for up to $250 with no questions asked.
Would you trade in a handgun for Beyoncé tickets??? Tell us what you think of the Guns For Greatness initiative.
