On Sunday, August 30, Kevin Hart became the first stand-up comedian to sell out the Lincoln Financial Field in his hometown, Philly. He may have even been the first to sell out a football stadium in general, with fifty-three thousand people for his "What Now Tour."
It's impressive, but not surprising for Hart, who, after fans demanded, is taking his tour to the U.K. What is surprising, however, is how he spent other parts of that weekend.
The day before his show, Hart ran a five-kilometer race throughout the city, starting at the steps of the Art Museum. There were more people there, than any other city's turnout for Hart's races, such as New York, Houston, and Washington. There were 2,500 people participating.
After the race was over, he needed a seven-minute moment in fetal position, to catch his breath, which I can't say I would have done differently. Regardless of his strenuous work-out and big following day, Hart stayed at the race until everyone finished.
Impressed yet? You will be. For the second time in two years, Kevin Hart donated thousands of dollars to better education in Philadelphia. In 2013, he donated $250,000 to the school district and parks and recreation centers. Recently, he has donated $50,000 to four high school seniors with high GPA's, as part of UNCF - "United Negro College Fund."
He believes the students have "the opportunity to be the dopest of all dopetivity," which is a refreshing approach to education, much better than news of budgets cuts and school closings.
South Philly's Edward W. Bok Vocational School is now temporarily used as a restaurant: Le Bok Fin, since August 7, and until September 13. Wine and dine in French cuisine on the 8,000 square foot terrace, at long communal tables, just like the school cafeteria it used to be. Quite literally, seeing as though Le Bok Fin is using the found furniture abandoned in the closed-down school.
With that situation in mind, think of the students Kevin Hart has helped incredibly so, who have had to worry about not only their future education, but their current - at some point or another. They've had to wonder whether their favorite teachers would continue to teach them, if they'd still have a desk tomorrow.
Kevin Hart, a graduate of North Philadelphia's George Washington High School, is making sure the lucky four students have a seat for the next four years. If anyone has Philly pride, it's Kevin Hart.
