Cody Simpson Performs Free Concert at Somerset Collection

A new anti-bullying initiative was announced to more than 3,000 cheering fans who gathered at on Sunday to hear a free concert by teen pop star Cody Simpson.

The event was held in support of “Defeat the Label,” a national campaign that endorses the abolishment of negative social labels and stereotypes.

The concert, which also featured guest performers Jessica Jarrell, Alli Simpson, and Hailey Baldwin, was sponsored by DTL Worldwide, an organization formed by West Bloomfield businessmen Jeff Sakwa, Kevin Goldman, and Kevin Mendelson to support the concept through special events and a line of message-embellished clothing available through www.DTLShop.com. Other sponsors of Sunday’s event included Cooperstreet Cookies, Pastry Shoes, Edmund T. Ahee Jewelers, and Channel 955 WKQI-FM.

A nationwide Stand Up Against Bullying Day is planned for May 4, 2012 where students and teachers across the country will demonstrate their dedication to a bully-free society. 

Ken Kragen, creator and organizer of the Hands Across America and We Are the World campaigns, who attended the concert, will be helping to spread the message about the May 4 initiative to schools throughout the United States.

 “Together we’re going to end bullying across Michigan and around the world,” Lila Lazarus, official Defeat the Label spokesperson told the crowd of cheering fans.

The campaign was started by Friendship Circle of Michigan, a West Bloomfield-based organization which provides programs for children with special needs and their families. The program includes a weekly mission posted on its website, defeatthelabel.com, where participants follow the instructions and post their results. Prizes are awarded to the member whose mission receives the most “likes.”  Students are also encouraged to nominate their schools to participate in Stand Up Against Bullying Day, with prizes for the schools with the most nominations.

“We want May 4th to be a day that parents, teachers and most importantly children will truly see the widespread impact that bullying has had.” Lazarus said. “By ‘Standing Up’ on that day, not only are we creating awareness about this very serious issue, but individuals will be able to physically see they are not alone.”

Simpson, 14, is an Atlantic Records artist from New Zealand, and brought worldwide attention to the campaign when he wore a Defeat the Label sweatshirt in a music video. Other celebrities, such as Miley Cyrus, have since started supporting the cause through Facebook, Twitter, and other social media venues.

Many of the teens who came to see Simpson perform left with a new understanding about Defeat the Label and the importance of eliminating harmful name-calling and other hurtful behavior.

“It’s a good cause,” said Sarah Stimetz of Rochester Hills, who purchased one of 250 VIP tickets that included being photographed with Simpson at a “meet and greet” session after the concert.