The hip-hop community is continuing to produce leadership and initiative over African-American issues, with The Weeknd reportedly donating $250,000 to the Black Lives Matter Movement, according to The Fader.
The donation comes just a week after singer and producer Abel Tesfaye made a donation of $50,000 to Toronto University, specifically to be used in the growth in the Ethiopic Studies programe.
1 – sharing our brilliant and ancient history of Ethiopia. proud to support the studies in our homie town through @UofT and @bikilaaward
— The Weeknd (@theweeknd) August 6, 2016
Describing itself as a “chapter-based national organization working for the validity of black life”, the BLM movement has a branch based in Toronto, presumably influencing The Weeknd’s decision to open his pocket.
The Weeknd first spoke on the issue of police brutality back in July after the shootings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castille, Tweeting that it was time for people to “do something about it.”
enough is enough. it's time to stand up for this. we can either sit and watch, or do something about it. the time is now. #blacklivesmatter
— The Weeknd (@theweeknd) July 7, 2016
With this latest donation, The Weeknd has joined a growing list of hip-hop figures raising awareness about the seriousness of treatment of African-American citizens around the US.
Lately One Sixth, ASAP Rocky and the ever-outspoken Killer Mike have also contributed to the discussion around police brutality, with The Game and Snoop Dogg also holding a forum between gangs in order to help foster harmony throughout the inner circles of the black community.
There’s also the fact that Kendrick Lamar dropped one of the most influential pieces of art on the issue last year in the form of To Pimp A Butterfly.
Hopefully The Weeknd’s generous donation will be put to productive use.
Image: The rap-up