(Nicole Rodriguez in front of “Big Pun” mural after this Saturdays Hugs From Pun Foundation school supply give away)
This Saturday I had the honor to meet up with the main organizers of the Hugs from Pun Foundation after their eleventh year of distributing free school supplies to youth in the South Bronx. The organization, lead by his sister Nicole Rodriguez above, distributed 547 school supply packages to local youth as they prepared for their first day of school.
Murals of "Big Pun" can be found often when driving around the South Bronx. Besides creating music many loved, he also was loved by the community due to his philanthropy. His early death caused by weight issues, ended a carrier that would have exploded making him legendary, much like many of the artists he collaborated with. During his life time he earned the honor of being the first Latino Hip-hop artists to go platinum.
Speaking to his sister Nicole made me wonder why we have yet to see this iconic figure on the “Big Screen”. Much like Brooklyn has “Biggie Smalls” the South Bronx has “Big Pun”. Is it time for a film about this great entrepreneur and community philanthropist? Everyone I asked in the Bronx has been enthusiastic about the idea. Please do let me know your thoughts on the question.
(Left and Right Shot of Mural Dedicated to Big Pun on Rogers Pl and 163rd)Official Big Pun web site;
http://www.bigpunplace.com/
2 comments:
Inspired by and in memory of the late first time platinum winning hip hop artist Christopher “ Big Pun” Rios both born and raised in the Bronx, Big Pun’s childhood dream was to give back to his community. To make his dream possible, his sister Nicole Rodriguez opened the Hugs From Pun Foundation in hopes of “Building Today’s Youth’ Through mentorship and music, our children can be inspired from greatness within their own communities. Our mission is to inspire and uplift our youth by providing an outlet to prevent children whom are victims of abusive households or exposed to everyday negativity to repeat the cycle in their adult lives. Furthermore, keep our children out of trouble and in touch with their creativity for a bright future.
HFP Foundation is now excepting both used and/or unused (working) instruments,music books/tutorials or money donations to make dreams possible for our children. By donating you will help kids fulfill their dreams to gain the skills to become artists, musicians in their future. Help keep our children off the streets and occupied with something positive that will change their lives. Please mail instruments or Money orders to P.O Box 771463, Orlando, FL 32877 Attention:Nicole Rodriguez/Hugs FromPunFoundation. Any questions email: hugsfrompunfoundation@yahoo.com.
HFP Foundation is seeking music professionals to volunteer their time to serve the children of our community in the Brronx,NY/Orlando,FL areas. With your help in mentoring and training in the music field you'll be making a difference by helping to "Build Today's Youth". If you are a currrent or retired established vocal coach, choreographer, music instructor, producer/engineer, DJ, have excellent instrumental skills (piano/keyboard, guitar, drums, violin, etc..) please contact Nicole Rodriguez via email and attach a resume to: hugsfrompunfoundation@yahoo.com. Either myself or Director will contact you.
Inspired by and in memory of the late first time platinum winning hip hop artist Christopher “ Big Pun” Rios both born and raised in the Bronx, Big Pun’s childhood dream was to give back to his community. To make his dream possible, his sister Nicole Rodriguez opened the Hugs From Pun Foundation in hopes of “Building Today’s Youth’ Through mentorship and music, our children can be inspired from greatness within their own communities. Our mission is to inspire and uplift our youth by providing an outlet to prevent children whom are victims of abusive households or exposed to everyday negativity to repeat the cycle in their adult lives. Furthermore, keep our children out of trouble and in touch with their creativity for a bright future.
HFP Foundation is now excepting both used and/or unused (working) instruments,music books/tutorials or money donations to make dreams possible for our children. By donating you will help kids fulfill their dreams to gain the skills to become artists, musicians in their future. Help keep our children off the streets and occupied with something positive that will change their lives. Please mail instruments or Money orders to P.O Box 771463, Orlando, FL 32877 Attention:Nicole Rodriguez/Hugs FromPunFoundation. Any questions email: hugsfrompunfoundation@yahoo.com.
HFP Foundation is seeking music professionals to volunteer their time to serve the children of our community in the Brronx,NY/Orlando,FL areas. With your help in mentoring and training in the music field you'll be making a difference by helping to "Build Today's Youth". If you are a currrent or retired established vocal coach, choreographer, music instructor, producer/engineer, DJ, have excellent instrumental skills (piano/keyboard, guitar, drums, violin, etc..) please contact Nicole Rodriguez via email and attach a resume to: hugsfrompunfoundation@yahoo.com. Either myself or Director will contact you.
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