17-year-old Anwar Karim may be young, but the high school student is already making major waves in the Washington D.C. area’s rap music scene. The young hip-hop artist launched his music production and merchandise company Elevate & Motivate in 2018 and hopes to use rap music and fashion to shine a light on racial injustice and engage young people in activism.

In episode two of YES! Anwar talks to host Jacob O’Connor about the intersection of social justice and music, how he got his start in the music industry, how his song landed on local news, and how he’s learned to stay true to his sound.

“By the time it’s all said and done, it would be a disservice if we didn’t give back,” Karim says. “I just want to give people more opportunities and try to bring more equity into the world.”

The Young Entrepreneur Series

Presented by the Hunter Brooks Watson Memorial Fund, the Young Entrepreneur Series (YES!) tells the stories of creative entrepreneurs from around the globe.

In each episode, host Jacob O’Connor, a former Hunter’s Fund grant winner and creator of the Venture Mentality podcast, explores what motivates and inspires young entrepreneurs to start businesses, non-profits, and projects that make the world a better place.

From musicians and movie directors to journalists and fashion designers, the YES! Series exists to tell the inspiring stories of young people pursuing entrepreneurial dreams.

Subscribe to the YES! podcast

Hunter’s Fund

Hunter’s Fund honors the life of Hunter Watson, a young man of extremely diverse talents who was killed at 20-years-old when he was fatally injured as a passenger in a distracted driving collision.

Through distracted driving education and awarding grants to help young people’s involvement in performing arts, music, computer science, and entrepreneurship, Hunter’s Fund empowers young people to pursue creative careers.

Apply for a grant

• Anyone between the ages of 16 and 26 can apply for a grant 

• All awards range from $500 to $5,000 based on submitted budgets. All grantees are partnered with an appropriate mentor to encourage their progress and growth as they move towards their goals. 

• Applications are reviewed and accepted twice a year.

• Deadlines are June 15 and November 15. 

• Selected grantees are announced in August and January.

• Click here to start an application

Donate

Click here to donate to Hunter’s Fund and help young people pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.