As the holiday season reminds us of hope, generosity, and family, I’m honored to share a story that embodies these very principles. It’s a story about our co-founders HopeCity Newark Foundation, Christopher Jennings, and his incredible wife, Takia Jennings—a couple who have dedicated their lives to stewardship, faith, and uplifting others. Their story, and the selfless spirit of their family, serves as a beacon of what hope in action truly looks like.
Chris and Takia have spent the year tirelessly working on the Hope City mission and the broader Human Elevation initiative—efforts aimed at building equitable opportunities for communities. But beyond their professional dedication lies something even more extraordinary: their family. Together, they have raised four bright, creative, and compassionate daughters—Darryn, Drew, Love, and Grace—each of whom shares in their parents’ mission to bring hope to the world.
This holiday season, these remarkable young girls have given a gift that is both beautiful and profound. Inspired by their parents’ example of service and creativity, they decided they wanted to contribute to the foundation’s mission in their own way. And so, using their talents—and some cutting-edge technology—they created something magical: a Christmas album.
The journey of this album is itself a reflection of their family story. When Chris and Takia first met, Chris was a music producer working with major labels, and Takia, affectionately known as Tiki, was a talented singer performing in a group. Their shared love of music laid a foundation not just for their relationship, but for a creative legacy that has now been carried forward by their daughters.
With dedication and ingenuity, Darryn, Drew, Love, and Grace spent their time collaborating to writing songs and leveraging AI tools to bring their creations to life. The result? A heartfelt Christmas album title "Once Upon A Christmas" filled with melodies that capture the spirit of hope, family, and the season of giving. What makes this contribution even more special is that the girls have donated the intellectual property of the album to the Hope City Foundation—a selfless act that ensures their music can help further the foundation’s mission.
As someone privileged to know the Jennings family, I can say that their home is a living example of love, creativity, and purpose. Chris and Tiki have not only built a beautiful family but also instilled in their daughters the values of service, hard work, and using their gifts to spread joy.
This Christmas album is more than music—it’s a message. A message from four young girls who believe in the power of hope and service through action. It’s a reminder that no matter our age, no matter our tools, we all have something we can contribute to make our communities and the world a better place.
So this holiday season, I invite you to listen, to share, and to support. Play the Jennings sisters’ Christmas album on iTunes, and consider making a donation to the Hope City Foundation. Every note, every lyric, and every effort goes toward building communities, empowering individuals, and spreading hope where it’s needed most.
To Darren, Lovey, Drew, and Grace—thank you. Your gift is an inspiration to us all. To Chris and Tiki, your stewardship continues to make an immeasurable impact.
From our family at Hope City to yours, may this season be filled with love, light, and the hope these four girls so beautifully share with the world.
Happy Holidays and enjoy the music!
To listen and support:
• Stream the HopeCity Records album Once Upon A Christmas on iTunes
• Make a Donation to HopeCity Foundation.