21 Savage to host his 9th annual Issa Back To School Drive in Atlanta

21 Savage’s Issa Back To School Drive To Return to Atlanta

On August 3, 2025, Grammy-winning rapper 21 Savage and his Leading By Example Foundation will host the 9th Annual Issa Back To School Drive at South DeKalb Mall in Decatur, Georgia. The event runs from 1 PM to 4 PM and provides free school supplies, backpacks, shoes, meals, haircuts, and braids to children and families preparing for the school year.

What started as a small community outreach event has become one of the most impactful and consistent back-to-school initiatives in the Atlanta metro area. For nearly a decade, 21 Savage has shown his deep commitment to youth development, education, and empowerment in his hometown.

Building Up Atlanta’s Youth, One Backpack at a Time

The Issa Back To School Drive is more than a charitable giveaway—it’s a community-powered event designed to uplift students both physically and mentally as they prepare to enter a new academic year.

The annual drive reflects 21 Savage’s personal journey. Born in London but raised in Decatur, he experienced firsthand the challenges that many underserved families face. By returning each year to support children from the same neighborhoods that helped raise him, he is giving back in a way that’s rooted in authenticity.

What Families Can Expect on August 3

This year’s event promises a wide range of essential services and goods. Everything is free, and no registration is required. Here’s what attendees can expect:

• Backpacks filled with school supplies such as notebooks, folders, pencils, pens, and calculators
• Brand-new shoes for students of all ages
• Free haircuts for boys and free braiding services for girls
• Meals and refreshments, with food trucks and volunteers offering hot meals, snacks, and drinks
• Interactive stations, including games, giveaways, and entertainment for younger children
• Community resources, such as information on financial literacy, local programs, and health services

Families often begin lining up hours before the event starts. The energy is festive, with music, dancing, and a shared sense of excitement and appreciation.

A Growing Legacy of Giving Back

Since the first Issa Back To School Drive nearly a decade ago, the event has grown steadily each year in scope and impact. In recent years, attendance has soared to several thousand students and parents.

Each annual event provides not only material support but emotional and motivational encouragement. In 2024, the county officially recognized 21 Savage’s contributions by declaring August 4 as “21 Savage Leading By Example Day.” This proclamation solidified the drive’s importance within the community and highlighted the artist’s sustained involvement in civic service.

Supporting More Than the First Day of School

While school supplies and haircuts are key components, the Issa Back To School Drive has always aimed to offer more than just the basics. A major goal is to empower youth beyond the classroom, with a strong focus on financial literacy and lifelong learning.

Through the Leading By Example Foundation, 21 Savage introduced several initiatives aimed at building financial confidence among young people, especially those from underserved communities.

In 2025, the foundation launched the Bank Account Financial Literacy Week in partnership with local schools. The program included hands-on workshops where students learned about budgeting, savings, credit, and how to open and manage a bank account. These lessons are designed to prepare students for real-world financial challenges they’ll face in adulthood.

Evergreen Tips for Parents and Students

To help families extend the lessons from the event into everyday life, here are a few evergreen tips that parents and caregivers can use to encourage educational success and financial wellness year-round:

1. Talk Openly About Money

Start age-appropriate conversations about spending, saving, and budgeting. Teach kids to understand the value of a dollar early.

2. Create a Mini Budget Together

Work with your child to create a basic budget using allowance or gift money. This helps develop responsibility and prioritization.

3. Establish Financial Goals

Help kids set short-term goals like saving for a toy or long-term goals like a school trip. This teaches patience and planning.

4. Use Everyday Activities as Lessons

Trips to the grocery store or paying bills online can become learning moments about comparison shopping, price checking, or bill management.

5. Build a Homework Routine

Set a consistent time and space for homework each day. Consistency supports focus and academic progress.

These small habits, when practiced consistently, can help children grow into financially responsible and goal-oriented adults.

Consistency Builds Community Trust

What sets the Issa Back To School Drive apart is its consistency and community-first approach. Rather than a one-off publicity event, the drive is part of a long-term strategy to elevate the lives of Atlanta youth.

Parents know they can count on this annual event. Students grow up attending it year after year. The event becomes part of their story—a positive association with the start of the school year.

Volunteers also play a big role in creating this experience. Many are local teachers, business owners, barbers, stylists, and even former students who once benefited from the drive. This full-circle effect creates a stronger, more interconnected community.

The Power of Local Leadership and Long-Term Vision

While celebrities often give back to causes across the globe, 21 Savage has remained laser-focused on the place that raised him. He doesn’t just donate funds; he shows up in person, speaks with families, and listens to the needs of his community.

This kind of grounded philanthropy sends a message to kids: “You matter, and you’re not forgotten.” It also inspires other artists, leaders, and everyday people to get involved and give back in their own ways.

From school supplies to voter registration booths and financial toolkits, the Issa Back To School Drive represents a holistic investment in the future.

Lasting Impact: Why This Event Matters Year After Year

The back-to-school season can be financially stressful for many families. The costs of backpacks, shoes, clothing, and supplies add up quickly—especially for households with multiple children.

21 Savage’s event directly relieves that burden. But more importantly, it provides hope. It shows young people that success doesn’t have to come at the cost of forgetting your roots. It reminds families that the community is stronger when it stands together.

In a world that often focuses on headlines and hype, this event delivers substance. Its real-world impact is measurable not only in the number of backpacks handed out, but in the sense of dignity, joy, and optimism it instills.

As Atlanta families gear up for the school year, 21 Savage’s Issa Back To School Drive is more than an event—it’s a movement. With a mission grounded in education, financial literacy, and local love, this initiative continues to shape futures and strengthen communities.

Whether you’re a parent seeking school supplies, a teen looking for inspiration, or a community member ready to give back, the drive offers something for everyone.

And as long as 21 Savage continues to lead by example, Atlanta’s youth will know they have someone in their corner—every August, and every step of the way.