Meet Anthony Dappa Samuels, the Rapper Who Owns and Operates a Daycare in West Philadelphia

A West Philadelphia rapper has been running a daycare for several years now, with plans to expand in the future.

Anthony “Dappa” Samuels is a co-owner of the Young With Options Academic Center, with the center primarily catering to low-income families in West Philadelphia.The 30-year-old is a former accountant and quit his corporate job to launch the business in 2017, he told The Philadelphia Enquirer.

Described as “more than a daycare” on Instagram, the YWO offers opportunities that some children may not have elsewhere, with the aim of nurturing the leaders of tomorrow. In collaboration with assistant director Dinnelle Jordan, Samuels organizes various creative classes at YWO, including courses focused on poetry, music, and acting.

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Samuels says he takes pride in being able to support his community through the YWO and its work. “I love being able to be there and be hands-on,” he told the newspaper. “I take a lot of pride in that, and it actually helps me with music and in life.”

Anyone can be successful

Growing up in the Strawberry Mansion area of North Philadelphia, Samuels understands the backgrounds of many of the children at YWO. And he aspires to open more daycares in the future.

Janelle Walls, a parent whose has worked with Samuels, praised Samuels for the positive impact he is making on students and families.

“Everything about him and what he does is consistent with the Young With Options brand,” Walls told the Enquirer.