FLINT, MI - The all-star #JUSTICEFORFLINT show over the weekend at The Whiting has raised tens of thousands of dollars to benefit the residents affected by the water crisis.
Around $156,000 was raised during the Feb. 28 show that saw more than 2,000 people fill the auditorium. The donations to aid Flint residents came from more than 4,000 people via text and online during and after the REVOLT.tv broadcast.
"On Sunday night the city of Flint and people across the country came together for a night of truth, awareness, hope and healing," said Ryan Coogler, filmmaker and found members of Blackout for Human Rights, in a statement, with stories heard from Flint residents and activists.
Performers and appearances during the event included Grammy nominated artist Janelle Monae, Ledisi, Andra Day, Jazmine Sullivan, Musiq Soulchild, actor and Blackout member Jesse Williams, "Empire" star and activist Jussie Smollett, Flint native and hip-hop artist Jon Connor, Vic Mensa, Dej Loaf, Mysonne, Royce da 5'9, Grammy winner Denaun Porter, EBONY Magazine Senior Editor Jamilah Lemieux and special guest musician Stevie Wonder.
"Blackout for Human Rights would like to thank all of the resilient people of Flint, our local and national sponsors, all of our performers, and everyone who tuned in and donated to this effort," said Coogler, director of "Creed" and "Fruitvale Station." "Together we were able to take a stand and demand justice for Flint."
Sponsors for the event include Blackout, Michigan Faith in Action, the Flint Democracy Defense League, Campaign for Black Male Achievement, Color of Change, Live Nation, All Def Digitial, ARRAY, Sankofa.org, Justice League NYC, Colorlines, M.A.D.E., The Solomon Group, and Clarence Thomas, past Secretary-Treasurer of ILWU Local 10.
Blackout for Human Rights has partnered with the Tides Foundation to make recommendations for charitable grants to benefit residents of Flint who have been impacted by the water crisis.
Advisory members of the #JusticeforFlint Collective Action Fund at the Tides Foundation will consist of Flint activists, a representative from the Mayor's Office, and members of Blackout for Human Rights.
Donations are still being taken for #JUSTICEFORFLINT by texting JUSTICE to 83224 or online at Act Blue.