【1982 Archives】

Rap has always been a powerful catalyst for social change -- even when the person rapping982 Archivesan 81-year-old retired educator from the middle of Michigan named "Mr. T."

Don Tassie is a former superintendent in Jackson, Michigan, schools and a leader of the "Be more kind movement." Recently, Tassie decided to come out in support of an anti-discrimination ordinance his city council was considering by performing a little rap.

You can watch the rap he performed in front of his city council below, but first we recommend you examine the text of it. Every glorious word will give hope to your heart, currently encrusted with sadness.

Examine this verse:

"I say -- listen up, friends, I'll tell it like it is!

No funk, no jive, just straight square biz.

To be more kind is what I'm here to say.

To you, to me, most every day."

And -- wait, keep breathing:

"Let's do the right thing!

Let's pass the NDO!

Let's be more kind!!!"

Tassie says he decided to become more involved with the Jackson LGBTQ community after his wife passed away in 2001 and his two lesbian friends gave him tremendous support.

"They are my dearest best friends after that," Tassie said. "How could I deny them, my friends, the same rights that I have?"

As an educator, Tassie started the "Be More Kind" movement, featuring this original rap, with the goal of spreading kindness in the community.

The anti-discrimination ordinance passed later that night, with a vote of 5-2.

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