Tag Archives: go fund me

Issa Rae Raises $500G’s for Alton Sterling’s Kids

issarae

So on a scale from one to 1000, this week ranked one millionth in terms of shittiest.

Amirite?

I’m still in a fragile state to recap what you already know. What I’m sure the whole world now knows. As if they didn’t already. Hell, the King of Pop dedicated a whole song about it in the ’90s. More recently, Grey’s Anatomy star Jesse Williams did a whole breakdown of our beef like an MC–with bars just as insightful as Nas, Common, Mos Def and Talib Kwali–freestylin’ about our appropriation and marginalization.

Actor and Activist Jesse Williams Drops Truth Bomb During BET Awards

Yet, two weeks later and one day after Independence Day (isn’t it ironic?) Alton Sterling becomes not only a hashtag but # 505 on this year’s list–so far– of fatal shootings by police. Not even a full 24 hours later did Philando Castile land # 506.

What’s scary is not only who will be # 507, but the near certainty another Black man or woman will fill the casket. It’s a hopeless reality but no doubt one that’s been contemplated now more than ever.

It makes you wonder if Alton Sterling’s 15-year-old son will live long enough to step foot on the college campus  filmmaker Issa Rae helped foot the tuition for. The Misadventures of an Awkward Black Girl took to GoFundMe page this week urging supporters to finance a better future for the slain Louisana man’s five offspring by donating up to $200K.

The star/creator of HBO’s new comedy Insecure surpassed her fundraising goal in 9 hours; garnering $567,056 for the Sterling family.

“If you feel helpless, but want to play a small part in easing the burden of #AltonSterling’s family, consider donating to this scholarship fund for his 15-year-old son (and his other kids).

*ALL* funds raised will go to Alton Sterling’s family,” writes Issa.

Following Issa’s lead Los Angeles director Xavier Burgin posted a Go Fund Me page for Philando Castile, which raised $96,040. To help support the Minneapolis man’s girlfriend and daughter, who both watched him get gunned down reaching for his license. The disturbing encounter was streamed live on Facebook.

Philando’s sister also started one to pay for his funeral.

It’s good to know people care enough to give, but Beyonce put it best: “we dont need sympathy. We need everyone to respect our lives.”

We’re still waiting.

We’re done waiting.

We’re woke and it’s time to start fighting.

FEEL GOOD FRIDAY: Detroit man with 21-mile walk to work gets free car

photo courtesy: gofundme.com

James Robertson hitting the pavement to work. photo courtesy: gofundme.com

This story has been making the rounds on morning news shows, and I think its the perfect tale to kickoff a new section called Feel Good Friday. Every Friday, a story about strangers uplifting one person or persons will be shared on ifyoublinked.

This week I’ll start with James Robertson, 56. The Motor City native tugged at our heartstrings this week when his 42- mile journey between work and home became public. James makes the marathon-like trek, in brick weather nonetheless, starting at 8am, seven days a week, since 1988.

A bus carries him close to his destination, but it doesn’t replace his Honda that broke down years ago. His measley salary won’t allow him to fix it. And now he won’t have too.

Thanks to a college student–Evan Leedy, junior at Wayne State, starting a gofundme page to raise money to get James some new wheels. Forget a Honda, James can afford a Benz or Jag, if he so chooses, because lots and lots of generous souls surpassed his $25,000 goal. So far, his gofundme page has raised over $300,000.

He needed a lift and he certainly got one. If you want to give him an extra boost and donate to his campaign, click here.

***************UPDATE*************UPDATE**********UPDATE*********UPDATE************UPDATE*******

robertsoncar

Instead of dipping into his gofundme fund, James Robertson was given a free car by a Ford dealership in Sterling Heights, Michigan. The factory worker will be driving (instead of making his usual 21-mile trek) in a brand-new Suburban Ford, with a moon roof to boot.

And as for the money raised, he gets to pocket it.

Who says prayers aren’t answered?

MELT-YOUR-HEART FRIDAY!! How Strangers Paid for a Lil Boy’s Hospital Bills

Empathy-Tree

Just when you think humanity and empathy has gone the way of dinosaurs, stories like this remind me there actually are good people still in this world. How so? Perfect strangers dug under their couch cushions, broke the piggy banks (hey, it is still a recession) and opened their wallets to a little boy facing a big challenge. Little Kayden was diagnosed with a rare illness at birth (in 2012) that caused his legs to be removed. With two abdominal surgeries under his young belt he’s trying to get use to walking with his walker and stand up on his own.

Despite his parents nervousness, he says he’s “got it.”

Now those random philanthropists have got their parents’ back by donating over $50 Gs, surpassing their goal, to cover medical expenses and any future surgeries Kayden may need. To make a donation towards the New Jersey toddler click here.

And guess what? Kayden isn’t the only lucky little boy to have his prayers answered, two pop singers used their powers to make two fans feel extra special.

Photo Courtesy: Instagram

Photo Courtesy: Instagram

Bruno Mars pulled out all the stops for Cleveland native Zumyah Thorpe, who was in a critical car crash that killed her mom and sisters. Zumyah suffered brain injuries. When Bruno heard that he was inspirational to her recovery he sent her front-row concert tickets and serenaded her during his concert. What a great guy. Check the video below

J.T. or Justin Timberlake is bringing sweetness back. He gave V.I.P treatment to tween Robbie Twible, who suffers from a debilitating skin disease, by giving him a limo lift from Long Island to his concert, where he sat in front row seats at the Hammerstein Ballroom. The New York Daily News reported that Twible may have trouble walking, but he busts a mood to a Timberlake jam. Duh? Who doesn’t?

What a week of good works. Let it continue to sprout branches and grow.