Comedian Gerald Kelly Returns To Springfield With An Initiative To Help Curb Gun Violence

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - Sept. 30, 2014 - PRLog -- Gun violence in our country continues to be one of the most devastating measures taken to attack our future generation of leaders. Locally, the numbers are staggering with gun related murders associated with young people. Comedian Gerald Kelly is passionate about saving our children, so much so that he devised a program called the Microphones Up, Guns Down initiative that he hopes can combat the issue of gun-violence in the city of Springfield, MA as well as other cities across the U.S.

MUGD is a conflict resolution initiative and creative arts movement with a focus on youth development.  By using a microphone as their tool to stand up and be heard, they will not ever look to pick up a gun or other harmful weapon to express themselves. Teaching young people how to stay positive and giving them the proper tools to use, can help resolve issues or conflicts before they take a negative turn.

On October 25^th, 2014 in Springfield MA, Gerald’s rollout plan for Microphones Up, Guns Down is scheduled to be released, beginning with a workshop for local youth & fundraising event.

The 2 ½ hour workshop, which will include a staff of Speakers, Counselors and Entertainers, will be held from 12:00pm-2:30pm at Springfield College, Fuller Arts Center. Youth and Young Adults are encouraged to attend this free workshop full of special guests.

The Fundraising event, which will also take place at Springfield College, Fuller Arts Center;  will feature top comedians such as Springfield Native, Hank Denson, Young Sensation, Isiah Kelly national and local recording artists as well as poets that will express how gun-violence affects their communities. Gerald Kelly will host this event which is sponsored by Maplegate Rehab and Hunter Kelly Entertainment. Doors open at 7p, Showtime at 8pm.  Tickets can be purchased at www.brownpapertickets.com.

“Most times, in a society children are often seen, but not heard. The microphone, which represents that of a leader or commander, gives them that voice to be heard; we want to encourage young people by helping them to achieve their dreams of becoming a Comedian, Singer, Rapper, Poet, Politician, Motivational Speaker or anything else that they want to become in life and we believe this method can give them the confidence, the encouragement and the tools they need to be successful in doing so. – LaMara Hunter, Program Coordinator

“The kids of today need to know that there’s a better way to resolve conflicts. By motivating young people to stand up, stand out and be heard will get them moving in the right direction and that’s what this thing is all about. It will help to keep our young people from going down the wrong paths in life and show them how to pursue their dreams, staying on the straight and narrow road to success.” – Gerald Kelly, Founder

About Gerald Kelly

Gerald Kelly, who currently lives in Atlanta, GA, enjoys a successful multi-dimensional career as a world-renown performer, actor and comedian. His credits include: HBO's Def Comedy Jam, Comedy Central, BET Comic View and recently appeared on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” Season 8. He’s garner success with “The Chocolate Sundaes Comedy Special” and his movies include: "Death of a Dynasty, “Cookout 2” and is best known as One Punch in the movie “Budz House” and “Budz House Backstage which features Kevin Hart." Gerald had a host of DVDs which include his latest, “Gerald Kelly on Broadway” which is available at Walmart and Walmart.com. He has written, produced and been recognized as a screenwriter. Gerald hit the airwaves as a co-host for 107.5 WBLS (Los Angeles) and in Hartford, Connecticut at Hot 93.7 WZMX as part of the Morning Team. He enjoys making people find hope in laughter; his first love is family and then comedy, but his passion is for young people.

END