Philadelphia Hip-Hop Artist Helps Students Find Their Voice with Writers Matter Program

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (WPVI) — “Writing is my life, to be honest,” said Andre Saunders. “That’s who I am, and it started when I was a kid, wanting to express myself and having role models.”

Sanders was born in South Philadelphia and dabbled in writing rap as a student. Currently Mount He’s from Airlie is a successful hip hop artist with three albums.

But his more recent roles extend beyond recording studios, magazine articles and television shows. He recently became a resident of that program after meeting Bob Vogel, the founding director of the Writers Matter program he became a poet.

“This program started with one teacher, one school, and 80 students,” said Vogel, who created his own program in 2005, inspired by a similar program in California. . teacher. “

Writers Matter takes many forms between intimate writing groups and gathering programs. Vogel and Saunders worked together to create a new iteration centered around poetry, hip-hop and rap.

Already shining at Mitchell Elementary School in Philadelphia’s Kingsessing neighborhood.

“It’s given me a comfortable place to express myself,” 11-year-old Jerianna Butts said. Then all will be revealed.”

Butts wrote the original track about doing homework after school. Her classmates already remember half of it and she sings along with her.

Sanders supports workshops for such works that explore more sensitive subjects related to children’s lives.

“I come from the same broken region as them, so we can relate on so many levels,” he said.

Sanders believes that developing this writing program will help children become better leaders in their own lives and those around them.

“Every year it gets bigger and better,” he said. “And honestly, I feel it’s the foundation of what the school and the world need to be honest.”

For more information on Writers Matter, please visit our website.

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