( ENSPIRE Community Spotlight ) With Hip-Hop’s Elite Chance The Rapper, MURS, Grammy Award Winning J-Ivy & State Rep Kam Buckner
ENSPIRE Contributor: Madison Dinges
On Saturday, September 20th, Guitar Over Guns (GOGO) hosted their 3rd annual “Band Together” fundraiser at The Amazing Space. This event brought together artists, community leaders, and supporters to celebrate the power of music and mentorship. The non-profit organization, founded in 2008, continues its mission to empower at-risk youth through the transformative power of music and the arts, already serving more than 11,000 students nationwide.
This year’s event was an unforgettable evening full of creativity, community, and celebration. The night featured performances from 3x Grammy Award-winning poet J.Ivy, Academy Award-winning artist Rhymefest, and MTV journalist and host Dometi Pongo. These performances captivated the audience with artistry and purpose. Emmy, Grammy, and Oscar-winning artist Common treated guests to an exceptional performance and joined an exclusive luncheon supporting the cause.
As the night unfolded, students and mentors took the stage to showcase their incredible talents, representing firsthand the impact of GOGO’s mentorship. The highlight of the evening was the impromptu performance provided by none other than Chance the Rapper, who surprised attendees and added to the night’s energy and sense of unity.
The event included a live auction and raffle, allowing guests to support the organization’s mission and win great prizes. Thanks to supporters, Guitar Over Guns met and surpassed its fundraising goal, raising over $100,000 to continue its astounding work of providing musical education and mentorship to inner-city youth.
The evening honored outstanding community members, including State Representative Kam Buckner, who received the Advocacy Award for his continued support of the arts and youth development. Samantha Chatman, ABC 7 Chicago anchor hosted the event, who helped guide the night’s celebration with passion and poise for the world to see. Among those in attendance were influential figures in Chicago’s creative scene, including J. Howard, Tarrey Torae, Andre “Add-2” Daniels, Jasmyne Rudon, and MURS, who came together under one roof to support and uplift the future generation of artists.
The 3rd annual “Band Together” was more than just a fundraiser; this event was a celebration of community, creativity, and the belief that music can change lives. This organization embodies what ENSPIRE is known for: spreading empowerment and changing lives for every individual. We are about embracing our community to support change and inspire hope. From students taking the stage for the first time to global artists sharing their voice for the cause, the event showcased just how powerful mentorship and artistic expression can be to individuals when combined with a purpose. With over $100,000 raised, Guitar Over Guns continues to inspire hope and transformation for youths and proves that when we invest in the arts, we invest in the future.
To help support these youth reach their full potential as leaders, visit https://guitarsoverguns.org/.
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