Kerry Lee Crawford; The Evolution of a Man, a Voice, and a Vision

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

When you hear names like Sean Paul, Glenn Lewis, Jully Black, and Kardinal Offisial, some words that may come to mind are stardom, success, fame, and influential. For our millennial readers, or if you were under a rock during the late 90’s early 2000s, I am going to introduce you to a man who became part of a movement so massive, the effects can still be felt until this day.

It all started in 1995 when four young men took their passion for music and became Toronto’s most decorated party-rockers: Kid Kut, KLC (Kerry Lee Crawford) C-Boogie, and Singlefoot formed a group forever recognized as the Baby Blue Sound Crew. Back then; their mission was to bring urban music to the street, and Toronto talent to the world. From 1995–2007, this Multi-Juno Nominated Platinum and Gold selling group did just that and became recognized as Canada’s Urban Ambassadors. They had found a unique way to uncover hot talent and hot tracks, and this allowed them to create mix compilations, some of which I still currently play. Kerry Lee Crawford had a specific role, which he mastered with ease; he was able to pick out the hottest tracks, and he also had a knack of knowing which songs would be hits and which would not. His ear for great music also lent him the ability to foster great talent, and many of the popular Toronto acts have passed through Kerry Lee Crawford’s hands.

For a while, Kerry disappeared off the entertainment scene, only to reappear in the world of News Media. Kerry had mastered his transferable skills, and he took all his unique experiences and education and intertwined them to bring a unique viewpoint to news and broadcasting. As a producer, consultant and contributor, he appeared on popular programs including: Discovery Channel, Sportsnet, and The Score. If you do not recognize Kerry the person, there is no way that you can ignore or forget that gravelly, resonating voice that abled him to land broadcasting positions at CBC Radio One, T.S.N., and the Raptor Channel.

There must have been some point that Kerry felt that he could dig deeper, do more for his community. This issued in another chapter for Kerry; The Love Project, a movement he founded in 2011. At that time, he felt that the city and the world had become more segregated, and it was particularly observed in schools. Kerry recalled a time in the 1970s in his hometown of Malton when communities mixed freely; there was not this, them or us dialogue that has become so popular now. Kerry blames the internet (Weapon of Mass Deception) for this division, and this is why The Love Project was so necessary.

The Love Project focused on two things: educating the younger generation and bringing people together. He was not alone as he aligned the project with organizations like Big Brothers, Big Sisters and the Future Aces. This lead him into direct community work where he was able to speak, mentor and make motivational appearances all across Canada.

On his pursuit for a stronger community, Kerry has most recently become involved in speaking and mentoring at schools in the GTA. Most recently he became a part of a project at Ridgewood Public School called “We Rise Together,” where he focuses on team building and collaborating, as well as integrating topics that encompass Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics.

To complete and add to an already established and reputable life resume, Kerry is also on the board of directors for a community organization called Free for All Outreach Ministries. FFAF was formed in 2000; they saw the need to support youth living in Peel who faced some of the same demoralizing issues that were experienced by children and teens living in ‘high risk’ areas in Toronto. The vision was to develop and offer programs that provided: counseling for youth, homework assistance, mentorship, job placement opportunities, apprenticeship opportunities, biblical studies, and personal development tools.

His role at FFAF has allowed him to take up “God-sized tasks,” like his most recent 100 Tuxedo campaign. His work in the community allows him to keep his ear to the ground, and he learned that there were youth in the community who were unable to go to prom because their parents could not deal with the outrageous cost that goes into going to prom. In his first year of the Tuxedo Drive, 6 or 7 suits were donated; realizing that it was not nearly enough, he put in a call to action to groups and community organizations. The goal was to get 100 tuxedo’s and slightly worn suits donated and ready in time for prom and graduation. When I touched base with Kerry a few weeks after our initial interview, he let me know that he had almost hit his mark of 100 tuxedos/suits, and he was happy with how far the initiative had come.

This summer, Kerry Lee and FFAF have organized a basketball and learning enrichment camp. It opened July 2^nd and runs through until August 16^th.  The camp is being held at David Suzuki Secondary School, located at 45 Daviselm Drive, Brampton, Ontario. The camp is offering multiple all-day programs that include: basketball, cricket, art, drama, math, science, robotics, and some lucky youngster will have the chance to win a $1000.00 scholarship. If you would like to register your young one for this, visit https://www.ffaf.ca/.

There is so much more that can be said about Kerry Lee Crawford; he has proven that he is a Classic Man because he continues to learn from his mistakes, and challenges others to learn from their own. You can personally tune into Kerry at Steps After Dark on G98.7, Monday to Thursday evenings starting at 10 pm.

Keep going Mr. Crawford; you have created a legacy that our young men will be proud to live up to.