Team I WILL GRADUATE arrived in Chelsea last night for the premiere of the Gladiators of Education: “The Making of I WILL GRADUATE Day,” directed by the organization's President Sanchez Tuitt. The night was electric as the red carpet was rolled out for the Gladiators of Education, at the SVA Theatre (333 W 23rd Street New York, NY). The documentary air this Sunday, October 29 2023, 3:30pm on MY9, Fox Soul, and HBCU.go. TV air dates and times to be announced.

The documentary chronicles the remarkable journey of the Brooklyn youth development agency as they demonstrate unwavering resilience and tireless efforts in producing New York City's largest and most significant homegrown youth empowerment program. Despite facing adversity, financial hardships, and the challenges brought on by a global pandemic Covid 19, they overcame it all to ensure this event's success for NYC students.

Back in 2008, "I WILL GRADUATE DAY" started as a single powerful event. Over fifteen years later, with the team's insight, that dream has expanded into a movement that was captured in this powerful documentary. I want to congratulate Sanchez Tuitt for his tireless efforts in capturing the authenticity in our daily pursuits to support the youth of NYC, said JP Taylor, Co-founder/Chairman of I WILL GRADUATE.

Sanchez Tuitt (Documentary Director, I WILL GRADUATE President) said:

“Last night was beyond anything that I could have imagined. Years ago when I envisioned this documentary, I sought to tell our story. I wanted the world to see the hard work, drive, commitment, and tenacity that it takes to pull off the accomplishments that the I WILL GRADUATE staff has continued to achieve in the name of youth development. I watched with joy as the audience laughed, awed, learned, and fell in love with the people I have the pleasure of working with every day.”

Tonya Lewis Taylor, Co-founder/Executive Director of the I WILL GRADUATE Program, shared her reflections:

"As I watched this documentary last night, it reignited the core of my purpose. It reaffirmed that our mission is to continue to motivate, support, and inspire the next generation of leaders. This film served as a poignant reminder that every step of this journey has been worth it all. I'm excited about the next chapter for I WILL GRADUATE."

This documentary is receiving acclaim as it has won first place at the Los Angeles Film Awards, American Golden Picture International Film Festival, and the Oniros Film Awards, and is gaining momentum around the country with its inspirational message.

The film features the following public figures that have worked with the I WILL GRADUATE PROGRAM: DJ Envy (Radio personality/DJ), Charlamagne Tha God (radio personality/host), Angela Yee (radio personality/host), Omar Epps (actor), Joseph Sikora (actor), Daymond John (Shark Tank/TV Personality/FUBU/Business Mogul), Wyclef Jean (Artist/Actor/Activist), Fivio Foreign (Artist), EtherDaConnect (Artist) and others.

About I WILL GRADUATE DAY NYC: Since its inception in 2006, I WILL GRADUATE DAY NYC is the largest celebration of education spearheaded by educational/community leaders, celebrities, professional athletes, and high-profile executives. On that day schools across the city will engage in activities, events, workshops, and pep rallies to encourage students to take charge of their educational journey! Previous attendees included: Eric Adams (Mayor of New York City), Letitia James (Attorney General of New York), Daymond John (Star of ABC's Shark Tank), French Montana (music artist), Omar Epps (actor), Wyclef Jean (music icon), Remy Ma (music artist), Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson (music artist), Fivio Foreign (music artist), The Breakfast Club (NYC Radio Show), Lala Anthony (American TV personality), and many others!

Shine A Light - Angela Yee & ARB Media

Shine A Light - Angela Yee & ARB Media