In Danville there’s a rhythm that pulses through the community—not just from the turntables of local DJ Greg (Gee) Saunders, but from the countless acts of kindness he orchestrates behind the scenes. For decades, Saunders has been more than just the soundtrack to local celebrations; he’s been the quiet force uplifting his community one beat at a time.
“If you didn’t have and I had, I gave. If you needed, I’d get it for you,” Saunders said, simply, summarizing a philosophy that has guided his life of service.
From his teenage years, Saunders demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit that set him apart. As the first youth promoter in the area, he organized high school parties across multiple schools—GW, BY, Tunstall, Dan River, and Chatham—while employing his friends as staff. His vision extended beyond mere entertainment when he brought hip-hop legends like Brand Nubians, KRS-1, Ghostface Killah, Fat Joe, and Redman to the city auditorium, providing local youth with unprecedented cultural experiences.
But it’s his commitment to addressing community needs that truly defines his legacy. Understanding that hunger doesn’t follow a schedule, Saunders ensures his community events always include food—knowing that for many kids, it might be their only meal of the day. This compassionate awareness drives his monthly tradition of providing free pizza to community members. When asked about his Tuesday pizza giveaways, his simple response revealed volumes: “This is all some will have today.”
The Cardinal Village National Night Out events have become synonymous with Saunders’ presence, where his music and energy help maintain community engagement year after year. His partnership with DRHA’s youth program exemplifies his innovative approach to service—hosting events at Skatetown where admission “costs” only canned goods for local food banks or school supplies for students in need.
“You help because you never know when you will need help,” Saunders added. “That’s just how I was raised.”
Saunders’ impact extends beyond immediate assistance. Recognizing the negative portrayal of women in some music, he created the anthem “Beautiful Woman” with its empowering message: “Beautiful Woman, where you at? Keep Grinding, Keep Shining, Keep Smiling.” For four years, he’s produced tribute videos featuring women from all walks of life, promoting self-esteem and positive representation.
His commitment to youth development manifested in a comprehensive Stop The Violence Movement, which has become instrumental in the urban community. Through motivational speeches and mentorship, Saunders continues to influence young citizens, inspiring them to pursue positive paths. His influence has created a ripple effect, with mentees like Bryant Hood following in his footsteps of entertainment and community service.
The scope of Saunders’ generosity knows no bounds. He maintains cars for minimal fees, supports local businesses by creating promotional videos for their services, and assists elderly neighbors with lawn care, including his own mother. During holidays, he coordinates candy collections for Halloween events and partners with Bibleway’s Thanksgiving Feast, helping serve hundreds of local citizens.
“The more you help, the better you receive,” Saunders said, though it’s clear he gives without expectation of return. Perhaps most remarkably, Saunders accomplishes all this while maintaining a successful career as a DJ and running a clothing line featuring his motivational message: “Keep Pushing until it is time to go!” Even during personal challenges, he continues to check on others in his circle, embodying the community spirit he promotes.
In an era where social media often amplifies acts of kindness for publicity, Saunders stands apart as someone who serves quietly, consistently, and without seeking recognition. His legacy isn’t built on grand gestures but on the accumulated impact of daily choices to serve others—proving that true community transformation often begins with one person deciding to make a difference, one beat at a time.
