Kanye West creates college fund for George Floyd’s daughter, announces $2M in donations

Kanye West is many things, and beyond his work as a musician, producer and fashion designer, he's often been a controversial figure in the entertainment industry. Politically, this continues to ring true. Although the rapper is notoriously outspoken (especially in relation to his support of Trump and MAGA), many have been wondering if he would make a statement amidst the current Black Lives Matter movement. Looks like they got their answer.

On June 4, West ended his uncharacteristic silence with the announcement that he's so far donated $2 million to charities associated with Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd. A representative for West told Variety that the donations are aimed at supporting the victims families and covering legal costs for the Taylor and Arbery families. In addition, West pledges to provide support to Black-owned businesses in his hometown of Chicago.

The donation also includes a college fund to cover tuition for George Floyd’s 6-year-old daughter, Gianna.

Whether West’s contribution is any indication of his current political beliefs, or simply a personal gesture aimed at providing much-needed support and compassion, it’s an effort which surely won’t go unnoticed. More importantly, these funds will directly benefit the families of Floyd, Arbery and Taylor, whose tragic killings have inspired a long-overdue global movement against anti-black racism of historic proportions.

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West’s donation follows an onslaught of notable contributions from celebrities and artists, including The Weeknd, Drake, the cast of Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Jay-Z, and many more. In addition to his previous support for George Floyd's family, Jay-Z provided his private jet to the Arbery family’s attorney, to ensure he made it to their first court hearing on June 4.

 

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When you absolutely have to be in Court to stand with your client and righteous protestors for justice ... Jay Z sends his private jet. That’s part of the P.P.E plan to get us out of this Crisis (People Power Political Power Economic Power) #PPE @rocnation @grassrootslaw @shaunking @leemerrittesq #thepeopleslawyer @blerimelmazi #runwithmaud #itsonus

A post shared by S. Lee Merritt, Esquire (@leemerrittesq) on Jun 4, 2020 at 6:23am PDT

Kim Kardashian West also shared her donation efforts with fans to Twitter on the same day, naming a list of organizations including Black Lives Matter and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.

The SKIMS owner noted that her brand is “rooted in inclusivity and diversity” and added, “We stand in solidarity with the fight against systemic racism and are committed to supporting and participating in the shift that needs to take place.”

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