News — Atlanta University

An 18-year-old Atlanta rapper, Metro Marrs, was arrested after he threw $10,000 on stage during his high school graduation ceremony on Friday. According to Rap-Up, the incident occurred at the Langston Hughes High School and the rapper showered the stage with the money to celebrate their graduation.

In the video of the incident, the rapper, who is wearing a graduation gown, can be seen walking on the stage throwing the money while the other graduates cheer him on and scramble for the cash. The school authorities were, however, not too pleased with his actions. And in the aftermath of the incident, he was arrested by the police.

The Bye Felicia rapper later posted an Instagram video of him being whisked away from the premises by officers. He was charged with attempting to start a riot and disorderly conduct and slapped with a ticket.

Explaining the motive behind his actions in an interview with The Shade Room, the Quality Control signee said he was trying to be generous to some of his fellow grads who may have been tight on finances. He also added the COVID-19 pandemic had prevented him from meeting his classmates over a long period.

“I was creating a moment that would be memorable,” he said. “I had to do that for the last time. Everybody was lit! We graduating high school!”

The rapper’s action was met with mixed reactions, with people saying it was unnecessary while others commended him. “Mahhh man this is trash! At the Graduation?!,” a user replied to his Instagram post.

“I wish somebody did this at my graduation,” another user commented on the post on The Shade Room. A user also wrote: “That ain’t no reason to detain somebody like huh.”

Nevertheless, Metro Marrs said the school authorities weren’t too mad about what he did and they actually root for him. “They root for me, they’re on my side,” he said. “They’ve seen me develop (as an artist) while I was in school. I’ve been doing music since 9th grade.”

Clark Atlanta University’s first-year student, Emory Pruitt, continues soaring up high the academic ladder despite the obstacles that have come her way, and she is a testament to the fact that age is just a number when it comes to setting your sights on achieving success.

Though this year has been very challenging particularly with the COVID-19 pandemic and the numerous setbacks that it has come with, that hasn’t deterred Pruitt from reaching yet another incredible milestone in her life.

After enrolling at the Clark Atlanta University at the age of fifteen in Fall 2020, Pruitt wrote her name in the history books as she became one of the youngest students in the HBCU’s history, as well as the youngest student in recent memory, the university said in a statement.

A commendable feat, Pruitt, however, did not have it easy. Back in high school, the Tennessee native, who graduated with a commendable 3.7 GPA, became an object of ridicule and was also racially targeted just for having big ambitions. Nevertheless, she was still able to sail through with some encouragement and backing from her family.

“It actually was the dedication and my family that pushed me each day,” Pruitt, now 16, said. “I should thank the people that doubted me; that just made me work even harder.” 

In an effort to ensure she had a hassle-free high school education devoid of any bullying whatsoever, Pruitt’s mother, Karen, ultimately decided to enroll her in online classes at Penn Foster High School. Karen told the university that decision eventually paid off as her daughter stuck to her books.

“I know that this was the best choice to protect her and her feelings; no one should have to defend the color of their skin,” Karen said.

Talking about her daughter’s enrolment at the university, Karen said: “Words would not be able to describe how thrilled and excited she was to have come across a dream come true.”

Though classes for the 2020-21 academic year are currently being held online due to safety and health reasons as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the university says the teen is adjusting to college life just fine.

“We are honored that this exceptional young woman chose Clark Atlanta University to continue her studies and we look forward to supporting her through all of her endeavors,” Associate Vice President/Dean of Admissions, Lorri Saddler, said. “Ms. Pruitt has already accomplished so much in just 16 years and we know she’ll continue to build on her successes.”

Pruitt also has some company as her brother, Elijah, also gained admission to the university for the 2020 academic year.