Photo Courtesy of Instagram/ Ellen DeGeneres
Rapper Ludacris recently donated $10,000 to Jay’Aina “Jay Jay” Patton and her dad Antoine who created “Photo Patch,” an app that facilitates communication between incarcerated parents and their children.
In an interview with Ellen on the Ellen DeGeneres Show, the founders talked more about its mission, including helping more girls of color get into the tech industry.
Related Story: Grandmaster Jay, Black Militia Leader, Faces Nearly Thirty Years In Prison
“Right now, I’m on a mission to help 10,000 girls of color get into the world of tech and start their career path,” shared Jay Jay. “Just for me, there’s not much representation of people who look like me in the world of tech, and I know other little girls want to get into this world. They don’t see that they can do it. So, I want to be that guide and help them do it — and just start them off with their career. I actually have a scholarship fund as well that we’re raising awareness for to help these women and girls start their career.”
During the show, the father-daughter duo received a surprise with the appearance of Ludacris, who decided to gift the pair $10,000 in funding to help them continue their mission.
“I love what you guys are doing,” said Ludacris during the show. “[I] absolutely love what you’re doing. I have family members that are incarcerated, and all they ever ask for is pictures. You guys are connecting the world. I have my own foundation that helps facilitate dreams for young ladies like yourself. I came here personally because I want to donate $10,000 to what you’re doing.”
According to its website, over 2.7 million children are taken away from their parents due to imprisonment, but the “Photo Patch” app allows kids to send letters, postcards, photos, and drawings to their incarcerated parents.