2020 has just eclipsed its first half and a lot has happened already. In the times of the pandemic, we have realized that celebrities are humans too. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matter protests, these are the top five celebrities who temporarily hung their status to help the people.
Kanye West
In light of the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor, Kanye has donated over $2 million in organizations related to their death. He also pledged to cover the legal costs of the families. The sum also extends its help to black-owned businesses affected by the virus and protests around his hometown Chicago as well as in other parts of the U.S. Lastly, he created a college fund for Floyd’s six-year-old daughter, Gianna.
Halsey
The American songwriter and activist has shown support in multiple causes over the years. One of the most impressive to date is her march in the frontlines of the black lives matter protests in Los Angeles. Halsey has been spotted aiding to injured protesters in California. Her social media are also filled with content on the Black Lives Matter movement, attempting to educate her followers on the subject.
Beyoncé
Celebrated musician. Beyoncé teamed up with Twitter CEO, Jack Dorsey for relief efforts in the COVID-19 pandemic. Through BeyGood, she joins in donating $6 million in organizations involved in helping communities of color cope. The organizations will be sourcing and distributing basic necessities such as food, water, supplies, and equipment to aid in preventing infection.
Elton John
Veteran musician, Elton John made a public announcement that he will be contributing a $1 million COVID-19 Emergency Fund. Through his Elton John AIDS Foundation, he seeks to help HIV patients around the world. The fund will be used for medical professionals caring for HIV patients. It could be noted that the immuno-compromised are one the most at risk of infection from the virus.
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds
The couple has made public that they would personally donate $1 million in Feeding America and Food Banks Canada. These are organizations that help in feeding heavily impacted communities amidst the pandemic. Hours after this, they donated another $400,000 in four different hospitals among New York-based hospitals. The donation will be equally distributed in four heavily-affected hospitals in the area such as NYE Hospital, Elmhurst, Mount Sinai, and Northern Westchester.
Honorable Mentions:
NFL
The untimely demise of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis Police Officers have caused quite a stir. The NFL has pledged $250 million across 10 years to help fight and suppress the systemic racism in the U.S.
Michael Jordan
The GOAT has also pledged $100 million to support the Black Lives Matter movement. The basketball legend and his brand, Jordan Brand will donate the money spread across 10 years.
Kendall Jenner
Supermodel Kendall Jenner has announced publicly that she will release a new merchandise collection. 100% of the profits will be donated to a food bank organization, Feeding America.
Did we miss a celebrity? Here are just some of the celebrities who have stepped up against the COVID-19 pandemic and the systemic racial discrimination.
Opinions expressed by AsianBlurb contributors are their own.
