Back in August 2012, Richmond lost a community leader and voice when Darrell K. Durant, aka Kleph Dollaz, passed on at the age of 41.
Dollaz was one of the first rap artists from Virginia to be signed to major record label Atlantic Records and went on to produce for other artists such as Talib Kweli, Black Moon, and Ol’ Dirty Bastard. But beyond his creative endeavors, he was also known for mentoring at-risk youth during some of RVA’s darkest days.
As a way to continue to honor his legacy, God’s Morning Foundation (GMF) was formed, and this Saturday, April 29, the group will host it’s fourth annual community festival where it will present a scholarship to a deserving high school senior looking to pursue their creative endeavors – just like Dollaz would have hoped.
The festival will also feature meeting members of the foundation, enjoy performances by local youth, and raffles for chances to win prizes, local vendors, wellness demonstrations, and informative workshops on the arts/entertainment industry.
“The Foundation started as a labor of love in honor of my brother,” explained Trenna Grice, CEO of GMF. The group continues to work with youth around Richmond, much like Kleph Dollaz, to help improve their access to arts education as well as give artistic youth the chance to excel.
“We want them to know that being an artistic individual is beneficial for them in the long run and it’s okay to want to do that for a career,” Trenna said. “It’s okay to grow within your passion and in your desire for the arts.”
Former scholarship recipients include Devante Raines, who is pursuing a degree in music education at Virginia State University, and Julianna Jenkins, who is attending Greensboro College and double majoring in musical theater and business.
“It’s a different array of students who apply,” said Xavia Grice, Social Media & Marketing Director for GMF and another surviving member of Dollaz’s family. “We want to keep it as broad as possible.”
The festival will be held at Mount Olivet Church, which holds a special significance to Trenna and the Grice family.
“It will be the church my brother actually attended at the time of his passing,” she said. “We felt it was a great place to come back and have his festival in the community which he served.”
God’s Morning Foundation has become well-known in the community as it serves those in need and, in turn, it has received a warm reception for its work.
“It’s been very positive since we do so much in the Richmond area,” she said. “The community itself is very warm, open arms, everybody loves to have us come there.”
“We’re so excited that it grows every year and that everyone is so receptive to the foundation,” Xavia Grice said. “We can’t wait to see what’s in store for us in the future as we continue to grow.”
As for the future of GMF, all Grice siblings hope to see the foundation become recognized at the national level.
“Right now, we’re known in Richmond,” Xavia said. “We want to touch Virginia, then the Mid-Atlantic, then the east coast until we touch the west coast.”
In the end, Trenna is hopeful about the future of God’s Morning Foundation and its continued work in supporting future artists.
“If students are very creative and they get accepted into these colleges and universities for the arts, why not give them scholarships and support to help them pursue their dreams?” she said.
The event will be held at the Mount Olivet Church, located at 1223 N. 25th Street Richmond, VA on Saturday, April 29th from 11am-4pm.
It will be held rain or shine as all activities will be inside.
Words by Ren Martinez
