PHILADELPHIA, PA, November 17, 2022 –Philadelphia City Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson (Second District) presented a City of Philadelphia citation to North Philadelphia native and rap artist Philadelphia Freeway.
The City of Philadelphia and PRRADIO1.COM honored North Philadelphia-born Leslie Edward Pridgen Jr., better known by his stage name Philadelphia Freeway, for his relentless fight against kidney disease, cancer, gun violence, and drug abuse.
Freeway has used his platform to bring personalized awareness to kidney disease and to be a change-maker in the society.
Pridgen Jr. was diagnosed with kidney failure in September 2015. He was immediately put on dialysis in September 2015 and received a kidney donation in February 2019, which gave him the gift of a new life. Since his diagnosis, Freeway has worked to bring awareness to kidney disease–around the world, and specifically to Philadelphia as an ambassador for the National Kidney Foundation and an advocate for kidney health.
He commissioned a documentary that chronicles his battle with chronic kidney disease and gave fans a personal, behind-the-scenes look at his life and career. Pridgen Jr. has also suffered a tragic loss in his life, losing his son, Jihad Pridgen, and his daughter, Harmony.
To honor his children, Philadelphia Freeway founded the Freedom Thinkers Academy Music, Health, and Education Division. The overall mission of the Freedom Thinkers Academy is to provide awareness in music, health, and education through discussions, events, mentoring, face-to-face, virtual create-it-yourself music workshops, and a workforce development program for individuals who share their experiences and passion. He also brings awareness to how cancer impacts various communities of color.
A Citation Ceremony was held at City Hall on November 17, 2022, to celebrate Philadelphia Freeway. During the celebration, Philadelphia Freeway’s family members and friends shared remarks, and Councilmember Johnson presented Philadelphia Freeway with the City of Philadelphia Citation on behalf of Mayor Jim Kenney.
Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, a former Pennsylvania State Representative, represents the Second Council District, which includes parts of Center City, South Philadelphia, and Southwest Philadelphia. He is Chairman of City Council’s Special Committee on Gun Violence Prevention.
