JOB CORPS Y2Y And Partners 4 Peace sponsors Alaska Male Rap Artist of the Year at the Alaska Job Corps Center
Ak Rebel took to the stage on Friday, September 25th to deliver an Anti-Violence and inspirational message to the entire Alaska Job Corps student body. This is the 2nd week of a National Job Corps Anti-Violence Initiative and campaign to stop the violence which headlines daily, even in Alaska. Samuel Johns is a heartfelt rapper and his songs speak to troubles and community solutions.
His performance touched many students, as evidenced by the very long line-up after the performance. Students wanted to shake his hand and thank him for the profound message he delivers regarding anti-violence, anti-alcohol, and pride of purpose. Sam Johns was recently awarded, The Male Rapper of the Year, and is heavily involved in Native traditional drumming and motivational speaking. He is also an activist, responsible for the “Forget Me Not” project which helps to reunite families and draw people out of homeless situations and the mean streets. His electronic network has gone viral on Facebook. Two weeks ago, Johns met the President of the United States, when he visited Alaska. Johns has traveled around the state delivering his message and is headed to Washington DC to keep it going.
Michael Braun, an Alaska Job Corps Student government leader and member of the Partners 4 Peace movement was the contact for Ak Rebel. Braun says, “This man knows the world and is helping each and everyone. I’m proud to know him.” Perhaps Johns’ most poignant message was when he questioned what would be in his own personal eulogy. Johns wanted to not die young, like many of his friends and family. He changed his life around and is now actively showing that “ordinary men can make a difference.”