As Chris Rock delivered his scathing critique of Hollywood’s “sorority racism” at the Oscars last night, a number of other black entertainers were busy taking action to combat the water crisis in Flint. Ava DuVernay, Ryan Coogler, Stevie Wonder, Vic Mensa, Hannibal Buress, and Janelle Monae were among the performers at the #JusticeForFlint benefit, which streamed live on Revolt.tv and has thus far raised more than $145,000 for the Michigan city’s residents.
Folks are standing up for Flint! Since last night’s #JusticeForFlint show, 3635 activists have raised their voices w/ $145k toward recovery!
— Ava DuVernay (@AVAETC) February 29, 2016
Local students and artists provided moving accounts of the city’s struggles in between major acts. Mensa premiered a new track called “16 Shots” at the event, in reference to Laquan McDonald’s death at the hands of Chicago policeman Jason Van Dyke, and Wonder delivered an impassioned critique of the government officials who allowed the crisis to happen.
You can replay the event on Revolt.tv for the rest of the day.