While most A-listers were gathering in El Lay for the Oscars on Sunday night, other celebs decided to skip the awards ceremony and rally behind Flint, Michigan.
Good on ’em!!
Creed director Ryan Coogler put on the “Justice for Flint” event hosted by comedian Hannibal Buress. Other stars in attendance were Ava DuVernay and Jesse Williams, who were among those to enjoy incredible performances by Janelle Monae and Stevie Wonder.
The event aimed to raise $100,000 for the community affected by the terrible water contamination crisis — and as of right now, they’ve exceeded that goal by $50,000! Woo!
Related: Creed Director Ryan Coogler Let Slip That J. Cole Got Married!
Not to worry, there’s no drama here. Coogler said the Academy Awards had nothing to do with the fundraiser being held the same day — but instead to honor Black History Month. He told Buzzfeed:
“With the #JUSTICEFORFLINT benefit event we will give a voice to the members of the community who were the victims of the choices of people in power who are paid to protect them, as well as provide them with a night of entertainment, unity, and emotional healing.”
Other celebs like Diddy and Michael B. Jordan took to social media in support:
If you missed #JusticeForFlint, you can still catch the encore on https://t.co/IrdoN39oif right now!! GO!! pic.twitter.com/mQCKGKrD58
— Sean Diddy Combs (@iamdiddy) February 29, 2016
Just donated…Please give what you can! #JusticeForFlint https://t.co/Yxl7WiHNlD
— Audra McDonald (@AudraEqualityMc) February 29, 2016
Almost to $150k! Thx for attention on a busy weekend, @mattiekahn! Folks can still text JUSTICE to 83224 to donate! https://t.co/F63fnlYrA8
— Ava DuVernay (@AVAETC) February 29, 2016
Text JUSTICE to 83224 early and often to donate directly to your fellow Americans in need. #JusticeForFlint is LIVE tonight 5-9:30pm EST on REVOLT.TV @UnitedBlackoutA photo posted by michaelbjordan (@michaelbjordan) on Feb 28, 2016 at 12:53pm PST
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