21 Savage, Lebron James, and Pharrell Are Giving Back to Their Communities

Big stars with even bigger hearts.

This has been a summer of giving for celebrities. 21 Savage will be hosting his third annual “Issa Back to School Drive,” Lebron James recently opened the highly anticipated I Promise School in his hometown of Akron, Ohio, and Pharrell Williams was announced as host of City of Hope’s upcoming fall fundraiser.

The rapper-slash-philanthropist is keen on doing right by his community. “Giving back to where I grew up means a lot to me. These kids need it and I use to be one of those kids,” he told Billboard. “Being able to see someone from where you're from make it, and to come back and genuinely give back will motivate these kids to do the same for their kids and the community.” The back-to-school drive will be a two-day event this weekend in Savage’s hometown of Atlanta, Georgia. Attendees will be treated to school supplies, haircuts, backpacks and school uniforms.

A similar scene is being set in Lebron James’ hometown of Akron, Ohio. The basketball star has been actively working on education reform back home for years, shedding light on the disadvantages that children in Ohio’s public school system face. “This school is so important to me because our vision is to create a place for the kids in Akron who need it most — those that could fall through the cracks if we don't do something,” James told the Associated Press last year. The I Promise School, which officially opened this past Monday, will not only help students, but parents as well with access to job placement assistance, an on-site food bank, mental health support for students, and guaranteed full coverage of college tuition for all graduates looking to attend the University of Akron starting in 2021.

Lastly, music mogul Pharrell Williams of the group N.E.R.D. will be hosting City of Hope’s eagerly awaited fall fundraiser on October 11 in Los Angeles. City of Hope is a non-profit facility that specializes in cancer and diabetes research and treatments. Williams is the first celebrity confirmed to take part in this traditionally star-studded event.

Here’s to hoping celeb philanthropy is more than just a seasonal trend.