WHEREAS, Young Flames began with a group project for music class by four students at Universal Institute Charter School. In the two years since, the group has grown to comprise 10 members: Safee Johnson, Kaiear McGhee, Kaaliq McGhee, Ma’kye McNeil, Jahmill Meadows, Amir Crawford, Jaden Barasky, Bahij Goodwin, Asir Bagwell, and Tyree Reaves. All ten members are residents of South Philadelphia and students at Universal Institute Charter School. The group is managed and mentored by Christopher Giddens; and
WHEREAS, The group’s name was derived from a mixtape, entitled
Flamers
, by Philadelphia native and rap superstar Meek Mill. Like Meek Mill, the group has blended advocacy for social causes with its music; and
WHEREAS, The group’s first performance, on October, 7, 2019, centered around the theme of anti-bullying. Since then, the group has performed and recorded other music with positive messages, including “Guns Down.” The song was motivated in part because some of the families of the members have been affected directly by gun violence. The group’s lyrics also advocate against substance abuse and for academic success and personal responsibility. On February 4, 2020, Philadelphia’s local ABC affiliate, Channel 6, aired a segment on the group, prominently featuring “Guns Down.” They hope to continue to grow their audience and one day be featured on the
Ellen Show
; and
WHEREAS, The group’s members are also active in their communities. Among their activities are football with the South Philadelphia Sharks, intramural basketball, and participation in the Alpha Leadership Academy ran by the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity; and
WHEREAS, The passion, focus, and positivity mentioned above are a shining example of the positive potential of Philadelphia’s youth. Despite the weighty challenges of this time, Young Flames have used music to spread positive messages in their community, an effort that deserves recognition and praise; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That
South Philadelphia rap group Young Flames be recognized for the positive themes in their music, including the anti-violence song “Guns Down”.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to The Young Flames as evidence of this Council’s appreciation and esteem.
End