Hunter Pollack and Kodak Black. {Photo by Jalen Martin}
By Jill Fox
This month, a popular rap star is donating college funds to the South Florida community for the second time.
On February 8, Kodak Black, 23, whose real name is Dieuson Octave, offered to pay the tuition for the children of the two FBI agents shot and killed in Sunrise. Now, the Pompano Beach-born rapper, known for his singles “No Flockin” and “Tunnel Vision,” is honoring Meadow Pollack, killed in the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
“I think his effort is sincere and heartfelt,” said Meadow’s brother, Hunter, to whom Kodak first reached out in 2019 after discovering Meadow was a big fan of his.
In a 2019 tweet, Hunter wrote, “Meadow and her boyfriend, Brandon, shared plenty of memories listening to his music. Her dream was always to meet him.”
After hearing this, Kodak invited Hunter and Brandon to Rolling Loud, an annual 3-day music festival in Miami, where he planned to announce a scholarship in Meadow’s honor.
“He said the story touched him personally,” said Hunter. “He had also dropped an album on the same day as the shooting in 2018.”
However, while preparing for his performance, Kodak was arrested on weapons possession charges and was sentenced to almost four years in federal prison.
Recently pardoned by former President Trump and now released from prison, Kodak reconnected with Hunter, who’s currently studying law at Nova Southeastern University.
The two again discussed Kodak’s desire to honor Meadow as well as future generations.
On February 14, Kodak announced the scholarship while attending the City of Margate’s A Day of Love and Remembrance Candlelight Vigil to honor the 17 lives lost in the tragedy.
NSU Shepard Broad College of Law students pursuing careers in criminal justice and prison reform will be eligible for the $100,000 scholarship in Meadow’s name.
“We’re incredibly grateful for this generous donation that will be beneficial to aspiring lawyers,” said Hunter. “Kodak has a big heart and is going to continue to do great things.”
Hunter said the two are now friends and will probably collaborate again in the future on something to benefit Broward County.
“We have both overcome adversity and want to give back.”
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Author Profile
- Jill Fox is an Emmy Award-winning writer and producer. She has worked in public relations and television for over 20 years. Fox lives in Parkland with her husband and their two children.
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