Paying it forward and kindness from the heart is still a thing in 2024 thanks to one rapper from Chitown.
Rapper Vic Mensa is keeping his commitment with a generous donation to a small business, Da Book Joint, which he visited a few weeks ago, according to Yahoo.
The rapper visited the bookstore, which is a local Black-owned store, back on March 13 to personally hand them a check for $7,200 to ensure the doors of the brick-and-mortar business remain open.
The money was from the artist’s cannabis brand known as 93 Boyz, which is Chicago’s first Black-owned marijuana brand that is available for public consumption. According to AfroTech, the $7,200 donation will cover the rest of the storefront’s 2024 monthly rent.
Founded in 2007 by co-owners Verlean Singletary and Courtney Woods, the Southside of Chicago’s main purpose is to help kids grow their literal muscles and give them a safe place to enjoy a good book or two.
The store offers a wide variety of books and hosts several events. These include their annual book fair, which features free books and school supplies. Additionally, they hold book club meetings for the Chicago chapter of the NoName Book Club. Another popular event is Book and Brunch, where attendees enjoy a catered breakfast and engage in discussions about books. Participants also receive a free publication to take home, catering to kids, youth, and adults alike.
Customers can also book three different sessions for their time at the bookstore, including Shop & Read for $1, Date Night Session for $50 and Shop and Read with Snacks for $30.
Showing appreciation for Mensa’s unexpected contribution was the bookstore’s ownership, who posted pictures on Instagram of themselves and the activist with the huge check in an effort to thank him, as well as share the news with their supporters.
“Hey family! This has officially been the best Wednesday ever! We are thankful. We are honored. We are grateful. We are truly living a dream right now,” the caption read. “Thank you so much to @vicmensa and his entire @93boyz team for blessing us today by covering our rent for an entire year. Thank you for seeing our mission and helping us stand in our purpose. You are that breath of fresh air we needed. His generosity ensures our doors stay open for all book lovers and dreamers. This act of kindness touches our hearts deeply and reaffirms the power of community and support.”
It continued, “Thank you, Vic Mensa, for lighting up our world with hope and generosity! 📚💖 More official photos and videos coming! We can’t wait for you to see the phenomenal interview we filmed today!”
Photo Credit: Da Book Joint Instagram
