Congratulations to Mike Brown of the Philadelphia Soul for being named the Al Lucas Hero Award winner!

Philadelphia Soul defensive back Mike Brown was named the recipient of the 2008 AFL Al Lucas Hero award.  The Al Lucas Hero Award is presented annually to the player whoe makes the most significant contribution to both his community and the game of Arena Football.  The award was created in honor of the late Los Angeles Avengers Al Lucas, who believed in both giving back to his community and growing the AFL.

 Brown has always made an impact in the Philadephia community.  Whether it is attending community events, donating jerseys and autographed items for fundraisers, or visiting schools to talk to the children about the importance of education, he has continued to be a strong role model.  Brown, along with WJJZ Program Director Mike Tozzi, joined forces as “Mike & Michael” to lead a program called “P.E.A.C.E. Through Music,” (Providing Educational Awareness to Communities Everywhere), a program designed to promote diversity through education about conflict resolution and the understanding and acceptance of other cultures. The program has four components: An essay, educational forums where they interact with students, attendance by groups of “P.E.A.C.E. Through Music” students at Soul home games and an on-air awareness campaign and online resource center to promote all of the program’s themes.  Mike has also taken part in Habitat for Humanity and done numerous hospital visits in the community.

Smooth Jazz WJJZ 97.5 wants you to "Speak from Your Soul!" 

WJJZ looked for students in grade levels 4 - 8 to "Speak from Your Soul" in conjunction with our "P.E.A.C.E. Through Music" Program.  In 200 words or less, the children were asked to respond to one of the following topics. 

Who is an inspiration to you and why? 
Who is your hero and why?
How can you create peace in a hostile situation?

Students had the chance to win tickets to see the Philadelphia Soul and sit in the "Mike & Michael" Section and winners were qualified to receive the Grand Prize - one of two $1,000 academic scholarships!  

And the winners were Thomas and Danielle who received their scholarships from Mike and Michael on Saturday, June 14th at The Philadelphia Soul Game.  Congratulations to both outstanding kids!

For your “Speak from Your Soul” essay ideas and inspiration visit the National Liberty Museum, “America’s Home for Heroes” at 321 Chestnut Street, in historic Philadelphia or visit them online at www.nationallibertymuseum.org

"Mike & Michael's" First Visit to the

National Liberty Museum

During their visit on March 11th, "Mike & Michael" spoke to students in the 4th grade from Our Lady of Calvary in Northeast Philadelphia.  Students learned more information about diversity and how they can participate in the "Speak from Your Soul" Essay Contest. 

View pictures from "Mike & Michael's" visit!