Actress Raven-Symone, right, and her girlfriend AzMarie Livingston were among the celebrity guests attending the annual LudaDay Weekend in Atlanta, Georgia this Labor day. The ladies also attended a Black Gay Pride event during their visit to the ATL. Raven-Symone officially came out of the closet on Twitter.com last month.
Read the 8th Annual LudaDay Weekend recap by Tahira Joy Wright of Branded PR after the break.
The 8th Annual LudaDay Weekend hosted by Christopher “Ludacris” Bridges, Ebony Son Management, DTP, and The Ludacris Foundation, once again, took over the city of Atlanta during Labor Day Day Weekendto benefit The Ludacris Foundation.
On Thursday, August 29th, Ludacris partnered with the Real Change organization to surprise his alma mater, Banneker High School. A teacher was honored for her dedication to empowering the youth with a surprise visit to her classroom by Ludacris. Real Change orchestrated the event, and donated funds on behalf of The Ludacris Foundation to the teacher’s classroom for school supplies. Ludacris also received a surprise by Ms. McDonald, his favorite retired Banneker High School teacher. The students were treated to a free Ludacris concert in their gymnasium.
On Thursday evening, Ludacris, Ebony Son Management, and The Ludacris Foundation, hosted a private dinner to kick-off the weekend at Del Frisco’s Grille. Music mogul, art connoisseur, and philanthropist, Kasseem “Swizz Beats” Dean was honored for his contributions to the arts, and even bid on a limited edition Thornton Dial painting, which broke an existing record bid. An exclusive Hublot Oceanographic 4000 watch, (one of a thousand, and one of one hundred in the US),was also auctioned. Local philanthropists; Keshia Knight Pulliam, Charles McCree, Greg Street, and John Silvey, were also honored for their charitable contributions to the Atlanta community.
On Friday, August 30th, Ludacris invited 500 youth groups and non-profit organizations in Atlanta to attend Georgia State University’s inaugural football game of the season. This year marks the first year of LudaDay Weekend being held on GSU’s campus. In addition, Ludacris hosted a private Media & DJ Appreciation event at Frank Ski’s Restaurant and Lounge on the same day to give back to Atlanta’s music industry community.
On Saturday, August 31st, Ludacris, local artists, and celebrities including; Terrence J, Tika Sumpter, Larenz Tate, LeToya Luckett, Tahiry, Sevyn Streeter, and more took over Georgia State University for a block party sponsored by Soul headphones, Vitamin Water, and Zaxby’s of Lower Roswell Road in Atlanta. Guests were treated to complimentary food, beverages, and live performances from rising local talent.
On Sunday, September 1st, The Ludacris Foundation’s Ms. Roberta Shields, Ludacris, and Eudoxiee hosted an intimate brunch with a select group of young women at the Intercontinental Hotel. The young women were selected by local organizations; Mayor Kasim Reed’s Centers for Hope Girls & Boys Club, Kamp Kizzy, and Banneker High School. The purpose of the brunch was to empower young women through mentorship. Influential women including; Keshia Knight Pulliam, Raven-Symone, LeToya Luckett, Tika Sumpter, Shanti Das, and Kendra G of the Ryan Cameron Morning Show on V-103 FM, to name a few, spoke candidly with the girls in attendance. The girls discussed their dreams, ambitions, and topics ranging from the recent Miley Cyrus controversy, Martin Luther King Jr.’s 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington, and an array of current issues. The girls received gift bags with Motives for La La cosmetics and David Yurman perfume.
There was also a small group of young men in attendance from Boys2Men Home & Sanctuary for Youth, Inc., and Lang Carson Community Center. They learned leadership skills, and received mentorship from esteemed men including; Chaka Zulu, Josh Powell, Terrence J, John Wall, and Ronnie Devoe.
Lastly, The most anticipated event of LudaDay Weekend, the celebrity basketball game, sponsored by Soul headphones and Nuero Sonic, was held at Georgia State University’s Sports Arena on Sunday. This year, Team Luda vs. Team Usher played to a sold out crowd of thousands of students to benefit The Ludacris Foundation. Professional athletes, Shannon Brown, John Wall, Josh Powell, and Jarret Jack, played while James Harden assisted Ludacris with coaching his team. Celebrities including; Raven-Symone, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Teyana Taylor, Laura Govan, Tristan Wilds aka Mack Wilds, Big Tigger, and more played in and/or supported the basketball game. Students participated in Soul headphones and Microsoft halftime giveaways, all while helping to raise money for various charitable causes.
LudaDay Weekend continues to expand and engage diverse audiences to bring more awareness to giving back to the youth in Atlanta through The Ludacris Foundation.
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