For the past five years, Kansas-born rapper T-Rell has hosted a community barbecue in his hometown of Topeka. Dubbed “T-Rell Day,” the rapper has used the event as a way to give back to his local community. This year was no exception – on May 26, T-Rell hosted the fifth iteration of the event at Lake Shawnee, complete with BBQ food and a water balloon fight for all those in attendance. To attendees’ delight, the rapper also gave away hundreds of pairs of shoes to children from the local community.
“I want the kids to understand that they’re the future,” T-Rell told KSNT 27 News. “They need peace, they need fun, they need some type of activity that gives them a great mindset for the rest of the summer.”
T-Rell’s love for his local community is clear. In March of this year, the artist told the local news outlet that he intended to focus his attention back to his hometown. “You’re going to see me coming back a lot more this year,” T-Rell said. “ I’m going to make it a point to give more of my time to Topeka.”
His resolve to do so is clear, as he also intends to open a business — a nightlife lounge called Partee’s — in Central Topeka, according to the same outlet.
In the meantime, T-Rell’s ongoing efforts to give back to his community are not going unnoticed. Topeka mayor Michael Padilla attended T-Rell’s barbecue event on Sunday to offer him a letter of recognition for the work he has done to benefit his community.
“Just putting those smiles on those kids’ faces was enough reward for me,” the rapper shared on Instagram after the event. “I love the youth and I just wanna play my part.”
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