Page 14 - South Mississippi Living - February, 2023

COAST NOTE
story by Cherie Ward
photo courtesy of Brittney Reese and J. Lock
When an Olympic champion and an upcoming rapper join forces, anything can and will happen, including the betterment of the community.
Four-time Olympian and eight-time World Long Jump champion Brittney Reese teamed up with emerging hip-hop artist J. Lock to give back to their hometown just before the holidays. The pair hosted a public holiday community dinner at Mount Bethel Baptist Church. Hot meals were prepared for about 200 people and delivered to families throughout Gulfport.
Reese and Lock also spread some Christmas cheer to five families in need by donating food and gifts with help from sponsors Sprayground, Triller, Sour Strips, and Band LA.
"It was a great experience being able to give back to
my hometown,” Reese said. “This is something that I've always wanted to do and keep up every year. To make sure kids that are less fortunate in the community can get a hot meal.”
And if her name is familiar it’s because the Gulfport native is a retired American long jumper, Olympic gold medalist, and an eight-time world champion. Reese is also the indoor American record holder in the long jump with a distance of 7.23 meters and is currently the girls track and cross-country coach at Gulfport High School.
“I’ve always been the type to have a big heart and be one to give back and see people smile, not just my family, but outside of my family,” Reese said. “This is a great opportunity for not just me, but the Mount Bethel Baptist Church and it’s just a way for us to give back and just be that blessing.”
Lock echoed Reese’s sentiments, “I’m excited to be back in my hometown for the holidays, and being able to give back during this time makes it even more special,” he said.
Also a Gulfport native, Lock is currently an upcoming Atlanta-based rapper turning heads with his melodic flow. He utilizes his extraordinary penmanship and heart- capturing vocal riffs to tell his story through music. Lock released “On Deck” last year, a hard-hitting and high- energy street anthem, in which he raps about the grind and the hustle. His debut stand-out track “City Life” was released in 2021.
"I'm thankful to be able to help the community," Lock said. "And to be able to do it with Brittney is truly a blessing. Every kid deserves a Christmas. There have been times when I didn't have a Christmas or anything, so I know they loved it. When I was a kid, I always wanted to be somebody who would do this for me in my neighborhood, for my brothers, my twin, and everything, so it’s a blessing and I thank God for letting me be able to be that person.”
14 | February 2023
www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living
Olympian
Brittney Reese
and Rising Artist J. Lock Return to Gulfport for Special Holiday Giveaway