Jill in the ‘Hood
Philly native soars on the record charts yet reaches back to help Black youth
Ebony, Jan, 2005 by Lynn Norment
JILL Scott has taken her music to the top of the record charts and around the world, but her heart is never far from the ‘hood. The acclaimed singer, songwriter and poet, who blessed the music world with Who is Jill Scott? Words & Sounds Vol. 1 in 2000 and followed up with Beautifully Human, Words & Sounds Vol. 2, has a mission that encompasses more than her earthy vocals and thoughtful lyrics. She has donated more than $100,000 to charitable causes, and two years ago she launched her Blues Babe Foundation, named for the bluish tint in her grandmother’s brown complexion. The foundation’s goal is to mentor and nurture college bound students–artistically, academically and financially.
On a recent beautiful Philadelphia day, EBONY accompanied Jill to Creative Art High School, one of the many programs and institutions she supports. Located in an impoverished, drug-infested area of Camden, N.J., the school is a neighborhood oasis, especially for its 189 students. Jill visited music, dance, theater and costume design classes, and was greeted warmly by the students. Though it was obvious that they were excited, they did not ask for autographs or otherwise treat her like a celebrity. She is their mentor and benefactor and friend.
“Jill Scott is a blessing to us,” says Tiffany Hillman, a senior dance major. “She has given us so much hope and motivation. She’s like a teacher to us. And despite the money, she’s still so regular.”
Jill also visited the Enterprise Center in Philadelphia, where she and board members of her Blues Babe Foundation spoke to young people about career aspirations.
“The younger generation has a lot of potential,” Scott says. “It’s our job to provide them with the opportunities to express that potential positively. If we believe in them and put money and faith and time in them, I think they’ll surprise us.”
For Scott, fulfillment comes with creating great music, but also with giving back and helping young people move forward. Many would agree that Jill Scott is indeed “beautifully human.”
COPYRIGHT 2005 Johnson Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group
