In a scene with a message similar to his recent film Unconditional, Hollywood teen actor Kwesi Boakye recently teamed up with the Dream Center at an event in Los Angeles to help provide needy schoolchildren backpacks filled with school supplies.
Unconditional, which also stars Lynn Collins (John Carter, 50 First Dates) and Michael Ealy (Common Law, 2 Fast 2 Furious), is a story about faith, love, forgiveness and inspiring people to serve those in need. It opened in select theaters around the nation Friday.
More than 3,000 people attended the event that included a petting zoo, a bounce house, a fire engine ride and more. Both the fire department and the police department came to both serve and provide positive influence on the children.
Hoping to make a difference in the community, Boakye volunteered for the opportunity to interact with the school children. He realizes the importance of good role models for children in the media and society, adding that his parents were his biggest influence while growing up.
“They really inspire me to be a better person, and I thank them for that,” Boakye said.
Boakye also has a message for kids who want to be actors.
“Stay true to who you are, keep striving for your dreams, and don’t stop until you reach them,” he said.
A Christian volunteer organization designed to help individuals and families in need, the Dream Center also provided free services such as physicals, dental screenings, haircuts and clothing—all free of charge.
Dream Center Pastor Matthew Barnett spoke with Movieguide on the influence of media on inner-city kids.
“What I would like to see is a good role model of inner-city stories that kids can aspire to,” he said. “Kids only rise up to the level that they see, if they can see something in a positive light, then they have a chance.”
Click here for the original article at movieguide.org.
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