Rapper Ludacris gives away 20 cars to the needy

In an effort to give back to the community, Rapper Ludacris held a contest in his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia, giving away used cars to 20 lucky winners. Each entrant was required to write an inspiring essay about why they deserved a new vehicle. Winners also received a month of free gas.

About four thousand people entered the contest, which was sponsored in conjunction with the singer's nonprofit Ludacris Foundation and the Nissan South dealership in Morrow, Georgia.

Ludacris and his mother gave the cars away at the dealership on Sunday, and his foundation's staff helped read the entries. They validated the contents of each essay by calling and interviewing those who knew the finalists.

According to CNN, Ludacris was particularly moved by a Sudanese refugee’s story—a man who had experienced tremendous hardship in his life.

The rapper said

That's one of those stories that really had me like, man, I thought I had faced some adversities in life. But I've not faced adversities at all compared to what he's been through. I cannot imagine going through what he's gone through and still be that strong.”

Mading Duor, escaped the civil war in his country and was supporting four children working as a school maintenance worker. His 4-year-old son was killed when hit by a driver ignoring a crosswalk on a Decatur, Georgia street. Karen McCrea, who attends church with Duor, wrote the winning essay about her friend.

Duor said he liked Ludacris’ music and will now be able to “play it [in my car]”.