Adolph “Young Dolph” Thornton Jr. returned to his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee to host a turkey giveaway when he was fatally shot and killed on November 17, 2021. Two years later, Memphis area raper Grove Hero, former University of Memphis basketball standout Jeremy Hunt and many others are carrying on his tradition of giving back to those in need. Earlier this month, Hunt and others gathered at Grove Hero Park in Memphis to distribute 250 turkeys before the holiday weekend.
“A lot of people are still suffering from two years ago about what happened,” Young Dolph’s sister, Carlissa Brown, told FOX 13.
“I think it helps the people when they see people like us, his family, his label, his friends, giving back. It helps put a smile on their face and it helps put a smile on our face, little do they know. It helps to get us the drive to keep going and keep pushing because giving back, it feels good inside to do something good for somebody else. So, I think it works on both ends.”
This is not the first time Young Dolph’s friends and loved ones have gathered to organize charitable efforts. The annual turkey giveaway started in 2015 and is nearing its tenth anniversary. Brown also serves as the president of the late Memphis artist’s charitable organization, the IdaMae Foundation.
“We want to keep his legacy pushing. We want to keep his legacy going. During his death, he was giving back that week. He gave back every year. So, we want to keep that tradition going. So, today is about that,” Brown explained to FOX 13.
“Giving back, doing different turkey drivers, mentorship programs, feeding the homeless, basically doing what we can to help people during this time.”
