Hip-Hop Artist & Activist, Will Keeps - WDM Chamber Accelerate Event

Will Keeps was sexually abused by the age of 7. His home was not a safe place and he was yearning for parents who would love him unconditionally. Will found his “love” and “protection” with The Blackstones gang in Chicago. At only 13, his lifestyle went from feeling powerful, cared for and protected to almost losing his life and seeing others die.  At 15, he witnessed his friend being murdered and when the same gun was pointed to his head, the gun jammed. Will was then severely beaten as the gang cut him with knives and beat him with a baseball bat. He was left for dead but he survived and this became the turning point in his journey to save others. Will moved to Des Moines in his 20’s and began a new life. He wanted to make a change for others so they don’t have to go through life without feeling cared for, loved, or being in a home where they can feel safe.  He began mentoring youth on a daily basis as a team member of the ManUp Iowa program for at risk youth. Will found that his true God given abilities were helping others and empowering them to go down a better path…one he wishes he would have had the opportunity to go down when he was younger. Will is busy inspiring at risk youth and performing his empowering songs, among which includes “Wake Up Iowa” which sends a message to people that violence and hate is not the Iowa way.

Come hear Will speak about his journey and his musically oriented witness for at-risk kids.  Learn how you too can be a game changer and make a lasting impact on your community.