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Hailing from Detroit, Skilla Baby has consistently shown his dedication to giving back to his neighborhood. Whether it’s distributing sneakers at schools or stepping in where support is most needed, the Geffen Records musician is committed to making a meaningful difference. His most recent initiative – launching a gun buyback program – is a courageous step that illustrates his deep dedication to curbing violence and elevating the city of Detroit.
During the 2024 REVOLT WORLD event, while filming an episode of “Big Facts,” Skilla Baby shared insights into what fuels his endeavors. He reflected on his formative years, revealing that he admired the local drug dealer, not for the illicit activities, but because “the dope man looked out for the community.” He channels that mentality into his professional journey. “Once I found success, I didn’t just take from my community. I want those who uplift me to believe they can achieve great things too,” he expressed.
The artist’s participation in the buyback initiative arises from personal experience. As a victim of gun-related violence, Skilla understands the gravity of the situation. “Our city faces a significant amount of violence. I’ve been affected by gun violence myself, so this really matters to me,” he stated on “Big Facts.” The buyback, intended to become an annual event post-February 2024, signifies more than mere symbolism – it’s a genuine effort to address Detroit’s gun violence crisis.
Collaborating with the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence and local officials, this emerging artist seeks to safely remove firearms from streets. The initiative provides $100 for handguns and non-automatic weapons, along with $200 for semi-automatic and automatic rifles, while promoting responsible gun ownership and storage. But for Skilla, this is merely the commencement of his efforts. “In the future, I aspire to host gun safety courses and other engaging activities,” he shared.
Recognizing the multifaceted nature of gun violence, particularly in African American neighborhoods, Skilla Baby’s ongoing work comes at a pivotal moment. Recent findings from Brady reveal that Black individuals account for 60 percent of firearm homicides in the United States despite making up only 14 percent of the population. Additionally, there has been an alarming 98 percent increase in firearm suicides among Black youths over the past five years. Such stark figures highlight the necessity of initiatives like this.
What distinguishes this buyback endeavor is the comprehensive strategy Skilla and the organizers are employing. Beyond merely retrieving firearms, the event will feature employment opportunities for felons and record-clearing services. Skilla understands that his influence can achieve more than just reducing gun prevalence in the community. “I recognize my influence can inspire people to clean their records, find employment, and eliminate guns from the streets,” he noted.
Though the rapper won’t physically attend these gatherings, his vision and direction are integral to the initiative. He emphasizes that this is about more than personal recognition; it’s about fostering genuine change. “I don’t want this to turn into a Skilla Baby fan event. I have a significant presence in my community, so distractions occur when I’m around,” he clarified. “I’ll be there in spirit. I’ve contributed, I’ve financed it, I’ve reached out to everyone, and I’ve organized the event.”
His dedication to Detroit transcends his musical career or celebrity status — it’s about taking impactful actions. Skilla Baby is striving to cultivate a safer, more nurturing environment for future generations, utilizing his platform to deliver aid and transformation where it’s most required. Through the gun buyback initiative, he’s not merely showing up for the community – he’s paving the way for positive change.