Legendary Group The Roots Host Concert To Battle Childhood Obesity

By Cherri Gregg

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter, the lead MC for the legendary group the Roots, hosted a concert party on Saturday at the historic Sigma Sound Stage. All the party proceeds went to a very worthy cause.

GrassROOTS Community Foundation focuses on the health and well-being of disadvantaged populations. "Let's Move It!" Philadelphia is the group's effort to fight childhood obesity in the African American community. Black Thought says it was his 5-year-old daughter that inspired him to take action:

"I want her to understand community service and how effective you can be if you make a concentrated effort."

Trotter and GrassROOTS co-founder and sociologist Dr. Janice Johnson Dias will work with girls at Harding Middle School in the Frankford section of the City to encourage healthy eating choices and more.

"We are interested in daughters, we are interested in women and girls because we see them as central to the health and well-being of society."

Producer and the Roots' drummer, Questlove deejayed the event:

"For Tariq Trotter to finally step from behind his microphone and get behind such a worthy cause for young women, I think it's worth all the support in the world."

Questlove says communities, especially the ones right here in Philadelphia, are the very heart of the Roots.

"All we wanted to do was just raise enough monetary funds and sort of bring awareness to the city. That's why we've done jam sessions and various charities."

All of the proceeds from the event benefited GrassROOTS' afterschool program for girls at Harding Middle School.

Listen to the interview with Tariq Trotter and Dr. Janice Johnson Dias...