A surprise visit from Philadelphia hip-hop star Meek Mill gave students at Imhotep High School an opportunity to hear firsthand lessons about overcoming adversity, avoiding violence and staying focused as summer approaches. Speaking candidly about his own experiences growing up in North Philadelp hia, Meek Mill – born Robert Williams — encouraged students to be mindful of the choices they make and the influences they allow into their lives. “My dad got killed when I was 4 or 5 years old. I never had anyone to teach me how to do exercises as a man or none of that,” Meek Mill said. The visit comes just before students leave school for summer break. Philadelphia police told NBC10 they will have enhanced patrols around neighborhoods, recreation centers and business corridors during the summer months. Officers will enforce the juvenile curfew, and the Police Athletic League is offering free services, including mentorship opportunities. Meek Mill also warned students about the impact of social media. “As kids, try not to spend too much time on social media, because 80% of that stuff is fake,” he said. During the discussion, the rapper reflected on challenges facing some young people in Philadelphia, including growing up without fathers in their lives. “We got good people in office and we have a lot men back in the community,” Meek Mill said. “I was telling the young kids, me and my friends, we did a check one day, and none of us had any fathers around.” The conversation coincides with National Gun Violence Awareness Month in June. A faith-based initiative called Corners to Connections plans to place violence interrupters on street corners every night during the month while offering jobs and resources aimed at helping teens and young adults stay off the streets. There are additional resources for people or communities that have endured gun violence in Philadelphia. Further information can be found here. “A lot of these young people don’t believe that they can do anything or be anything, because they don’t feel like they come from anything,” said Jury Segers of Imhotep High School. Meek Mill also spoke about the motivation that helped him pursue success. “My priority was getting my mom out the hood. I grew up in North Philadelphia. They’re killing in my neighborhood, selling drugs, people trying to sell my mom drugs,” he said. He encouraged students to pursue their passions, saying that finding something they love could help keep them away from trouble. “Try to find a trade. Find something you can do that you love for the summer that don’t come with grief, don’t come with violence, don’t come with prison time,” Meek Mill said. For student Matthew Smith, the rapper’s message resonated on a personal level. “For him to lose his dad at a young age, and some people not have their dad, we were able to connect,” Smith said. “So since we were able to connect, it was able to show me I can still make it. I can still do stuff. There are still people out here that care.” As students prepare for summer break, the visit offered a message of perseverance and possibility from someone who has experienced many of the same challenges they face. This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC Philadelphia. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC Philadelphia journalist edited the article for publication. ...read more read less