Anwar Falah Karim launches music merchandise to promote peace

At just 16 years old, Anwar Falah Karim is already making his mark on the D.C.–Maryland–Virginia music scene. A student at The Potomac School in Oakton, Virginia, Anwar co-owns Elevate & Motivate LLC with his older brother, Taaj David—a music company built around creativity, community, and positive influence. Through his work, Anwar hopes to inspire young people and use music as a platform for change.

With support from his Hunter’s Fund grant, Anwar is launching a merchandise line under the Elevate & Motivate brand. The proceeds will benefit Guns Down Friday, a Washington, D.C.–based organization dedicated to reducing gun violence and uplifting youth through outreach and mentorship.

“Supporting an organization like Guns Down Friday is important to me as a young Black man in America,” Anwar shares. “I may not see gun violence every day, but I understand how deeply it affects many communities.” His goal is to use art and enterprise to make a lasting, positive impact.