Christian "King" Combs and Justin Combs donate 100 pairs of sneakers to Mount Vernon scholars

About one hundred students came out to City Hall and gathered outside in anticipation for free sneakers and backpacks donated by Christian “King” Combs and Justin Combs, the sons of Sean “Diddy” Combs. The Mount Vernon City School District, in partnership with the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau, hosted the sneaker giveaway on Wednesday, September 20, 2023.  

During City Fest the previous weekend, Christian Combs was given a key to the city. In order to give back to the city for this honor, he decided to make a donation to Mount Vernon students. 

“I’m just thankful for everyone coming out, and I’m thankful for the Combs brothers for this wonderful donation for our students,” said Derrick Thompson, city councilperson and Edward Williams School teaching assistant and crisis intervention specialist. 

P. Diddy spent time living in Mount Vernon, and his son Justin grew up in Mount Vernon playing for the Razorbacks youth football team. Christian often visits Mount Vernon and performed at City Fest. 

“First things first, with the key to the city, I wanted to give back – me and my brother –  we wanted to show love to the whole community. So, we got some Jordans for y’all, we got some drip. The reason why I’m here and the reason I always come to Mount Vernon is because of my brother Justin, just being here watching him for the Razorbacks.” 

The giveaway was organized by Nakia Hiland, school liaison and director of Safe Place for Our Girls, a new organization working to support girls in Mount Vernon. Several teenagers from the Youth Bureau helped give the sneakers away and sign everyone up for future events and giveaways. About 100 students from five different schools received sneakers. 

“Each and every one of you, I want you to remember you are a reflection of the great city of Mount Vernon,” said Ms. Hiland. “So, in good times and bad times, I want you to be reminded of who you are in your excellence and your character as we are building community together.” 

With this donation, students now have brand new shoes to start the year, and parents can use the money saved to purchase other essentials for their children. 

“We work hard in Mount Vernon, and we work for each and every one of our students, our scholars,” said Acting Superintendent Dr. K. Veronica Smith. “I am so delighted for this partnership with the City of Mount Vernon, and I hope that we continue to have partnerships that would meet the needs of our community and our students. This is a wonderful honor today.” 

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