Kanye West and Rhymefest have teamed with Donda's House - West's foundation honoring his mother Dr. Donda West - to teach songwriting and fitness to at-risk youth in Chicago. The free 10-week program dubbed "Got Bars" will teach kids on Chicago's south side how to write and record their own music. The program is a collaborative effort between Donda's House and The ARK of St. Sabina - the youth community center at Chicago's St. Sabina Church. Kanye West commented on the program founded to help Chicago youth and continue to promote his mother's legacy:
“My mom spent her life as an educator and I am happy that Donda’s House can pick up her torch and honor her life’s mission.”
Co-founder and Assistant Director of Donda's House, Che "Rhymefest" Smith also offered a statement:
“I am so happy to launch “Got Bars” to honor Kanye West’s mother’s memory and to fulfill one of my Aldermanic campaign goals. “Got Bars” will change our youth musically, get them healthy and keep them busy in a creative, peaceful environment. I know it will be an even stronger program because of our partnership with the ARK of St. Sabina.”
The "Got Bars" program will offer instruction to youth between the ages of 15 and 24. Their goal is to provide an outlet for youth in that demographic who do not have enough activities. Rhymefest will be working hands on with youth, helping them to write and record in the studio. The program will also provide instruction in fitness and nutrition.
