Trans4mation Experience
Will.i.am, front man of the Black Eyed Peas of i.am Angel Foundation, was at the Hollywood Palladium hosting a benefit concert – the Trans4mation Experience – to raise money for I. M. Education, one of the branches of the Foundation. A staggering $5m was raised from this one event.
Superman
The event was inspired by ‘Waiting for Superman’ the 2010 documentary on public education in America. As Will.i.am said, “Superman is not coming to save no neighborhood or no education system…That’s the reason why I’m doing what I am doing because that movie hits straight to heart because my mom went to one of those schools.”
It wasn’t a solo act though. Other than Fergie, Will.i.am brought in the rest of the Black Eyed Peas and those at the concert were privy to the sounds and musical talents of Stevie Wonder, Ne-Yo, K’Naan, and Flo Rida. As well, videos were shown, which among other things, drew focus on students in Boyle Heights, where Will.i.am grew up and the struggle he endured in such a poor educational climate.
Foundation Background
The foundation has been working in the field of education since its inception in 2009 through three branches: i.am First (after school programs set up to encourage school kids in the field of engineering and technology); i.am Home (battling the foreclosure housing crisis); and i.am Scholarship (giving potential leaders the financial resources needed for post-secondary education).
But it was Will.i.am himself who established the i.am Scholarship branch focusing on media; computer science and more. In addition, he seeks to provide these potential leaders with professional opportunities at Dipdive.com once they have completed their education. In his words, “more than just financial aid, the i.am scholarship is an investment in our future.”