Will.i.am was “always poor” growing up.
The former Black Eyed Peas singer opened up about his past financial struggles at the 45th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum, in Davos, Switzerland on Friday. And it was quickly clear that global inequality is a matter very close to the 39-year-old producer’s heart.
“I remember what it feels like to stand in the welfare line,” he said. “I never really looked at myself as a one per cent because I was always poor.”
Will grew up Estrada Courts housing projects in Los Angeles where his family were one of the few African Americans living in a predominantly Hispanic community. While Will now has riches beyond his wildest dreams, he is focused on trying to change the future for disadvantaged youngsters.
“I need to go back and tell kids in the neighbourhood that what they tell you on the news about the one per cent is that there’s not like a wall there that you can’t be part of it,” he explained. “It hurts my heart and my soul that there is such a thing as private investment angle in prisons in America and not education. It’s a human rights issue.”
The Scream & Shout singer has established a number of community outreach programs across the globe, including the i.am.angel Foundation, which helps disadvantaged children through education, inspiration and opportunity. The star credits his loved ones with showing him how important it was to be a good scholar.
“'My family made sure I understood that getting a good education and hard work were key to turning my dreams into reality and beating the odds that come with growing up in a disadvantaged situation,” he added.
