Controversy looms after it's revealed that Ashanti was paid $20,000 to speak to students in the Atlantic City School District. The gag is that Ashanti's godmother sits on the board that approved the payment...
In two separate assemblies Ashanti spoke to 7th and 8th graders about the importance of staying in school and surrounding themselves with a strong support system of friends and family and did an interview with the Atlantic City High School's radio station.
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum Donna Haye, who will take over as superintendent July 1, defended the decision stating,
“We budget for special events and saw this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We wanted to bring in someone young who would connect with the students.”Ashanti's godmother, Nynell Langford, abstained from voting to approve the visit but supported her appearance and said she was proud to have her at the school.
