Post by Vallus on Jan 13, 2006 21:53:30 GMT
The Ludacris Foundation, established by rapper-turned-actor Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, has teamed with one of the nation’s leading advocates for Americans with disabilities to launch a new public awareness campaign designed to shed light on the disproportionate rate of disability in minority communities.
Luda is featured in the United Cerebral Palsy public service announcement entitled “Dream,” featuring Ruje'anne Duplessis, a teenager born with cerebral palsy. In 2004, Duplessis wrote BET to request help in reaching Ludacris, her dream prom date. When the rapper got wind of the teen’s letter, he flew to Massachusetts and escorted her to the Central High prom.
"The prom is a very important part of a young lady's life, and it hit my heart to share it with her," Ludacris told the Sacramento Observer. "Ruje'anne might have a disability, but that doesn't make her different from anyone else. She's still dreaming and making a difference."
According to the newspaper, studies show that African Americans account for nearly 20 percent of all people with disabilities despite making up just 13 percent of the U.S. population. In addition, more than 35 percent of all African American families reported having a family member with a disability in 2000, the second highest rate of disability for any racial group.
The new public service announcement featuring Ludacris will run in select cities nationwide and is available online at www.ucp.org.