On May 2nd, 2009 Platform One Entertainment hosted two back-to-back Dare 2 Dream benefit events at the House of Blues Chicago featuring hip hop icon Talib Kweli. The events were to benefit Working in the Schools (WITS), a non-profit organization that increases the reading proficiency and learning capacity of low-income and minority students in the Chicago Public Schools.

“I want to thank the Dare 2 Dream concert for supporting WITS and showcasing its outstanding work and dedicated volunteers. Working together, WITS has mobilized businesses, government and the community to help thousands of low income and minority Chicago Public School students prepare for the future by improving their reading skills.” - Mayor Richard M. Daley

“I am honored and blessed to be performing for Dare 2 Dream. It is causes like this that inspire the fabric of my work.” - Talib Kweli

Chicago’s Youth In Trouble
Only a few years ago, the Chicago Public School (CPS) system was ranked the worst in the nation, with just 6% of high school freshman going on to graduate from college. The outlook is even bleaker for minority students, with just 2.5% graduating from college. 50% of high school freshman do not even graduate from high school. Furthermore, of the 400,000 students in the CPS system, 85% of those students live under the poverty line. This is an unacceptable reality. If today’s students cannot raise themselves up out of poverty, then the education system has failed them. Dare 2 Dream will be bringing major attention to this issue in our mission to positively impact the lives of all CPS students.

Talib Kweli Making an Impact on Chicago’s Students
Since his stellar debut with Mos Def as Black Star, Talib Kweli has been one of rap’s most exceptional and consistent artists. Released in 2000, Talib’s Reflection Eternal, the RIAA-certified gold album was one of the most acclaimed albums of the year. In 2002, smash single “Get By,” and the biting political commentary “The Proud” made Quality a landmark recording and Kweli’s second gold album. Subsequent recordings in 2004 (The Beautiful Struggle) and 2005 (Right About Now) solidified his status as one of rap’s most talented and important voices. His most recent album, Eardrum, debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 and garnered significant critical acclaim. As the son of two teachers and advocate of socially-conscience messages in his music, Talib is an extraordinary role model to Chicago’s public school students and is thrilled to headline the Dare 2 Dream benefit event.

“Working In The Schools” Making a Difference
WITS’ programs reintroduce community members to their schools, provide teachers and principals with needed support, and give children the skills they need to succeed. Over the years, WITS has been endorsed by Former President Bill Clinton, Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, the Chicago Public Schools CEO Arne Duncan, former Secretary of State Colin Powell, former U.S. Secretary of Education Richard Riley and the Chicago Public School Reform Team. Today, WITS serves more than 2,300 students in 28 elementary schools with the support of 31 partnering organizations and more than 1,200 volunteers.

Making It All Happen
Following several highly successful Dare 2 Dream benefit events, Platform One Entertainment continues to demonstrate its commitment to developing and delivering momentous events to significantly contribute to prominent causes and charities. In the past year, Platform One has already generated noteworthy visibility and funding for The National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship, The Common Ground Foundation, The Chicago Alliance to End Homelessness and The University of Chicago Comer Children’s Hospital while working with some of today’s biggest artists including Kings of Leon, Common, Cypress Hill, and several others. “I’m extremely proud and honored to partner with the incredible Talib Kweli to help foster major awareness and raise important funding for Working In The Schools all while continuing our pursuit to harness the power of music and entertainment to benefit important causes,” states Platform One Entertainment President, Jeff Sodikoff.