On Sunday, August 3, 2025, Atlanta rapper 21 Savage, through his Leading By Example Foundation and Momma Flystyle, hosted the 9th annual “Issa Back‑to‑School” drive in DeKalb County.
Thousands of students received bookbags full of school supplies, shoes, food, haircuts and braiding services, school uniforms, and skincare products in preparation for the first day of school on Monday, August 4.
U.S. Representative Hank Johnson described 21 Savage as “homegrown, … straight out of 285 and Glenwood”, reflecting how deeply he’s rooted in the community.
He also noted that rising costs—sparked by post‑April “Liberation Day Tariffs”—are making school supplies more expensive while incomes remain flat: “Oh, it’s huge, because prices are going up all across the country … but income remains the same.”
Attendees voiced gratitude. One parent, Tasha Lewis, said: “It was nice of him to do this because he didn’t have to.” At the same time, 21 Savage’s manager, Justin Williams, captured the mission: “We just wanna make sure we take some type of load off for these parents so they’re not worried about sending their children to school and spending their last.”
Founded in 2018, the Leading By Example Foundation encourages youth to learn financial basics, like saving, opening bank accounts, and planning for college. It’s also awarded scholarships and held numerous events over the years.
Sponsors for the day included DeKalb County Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson, Walmart, Prime Hydration, Live Nation, Adidas, and Goodwipes.
