More than $15 million dollar has been donated by Rihanna’s foundation to mental health services
In collaboration with Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey’s #StartSmall initiative, the 32 year old singer has pledged the large sum from her very own The Clara Lionel Foundation, all amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
“Racial injustices perpetrated by systems built to keep people safe are exacerbating the coronavirus’s mental health impact on individuals and families across the United States” as stated by Rihanna’s foundation.
The foundation further stated that “Even as the majority of states have begun lifting restrictions in recent days, millions of Americans continue to face daunting challenges when it comes to their health, mental and economic well being. (sic)”
The financial boost will be dedicated to organizations in Newark and Chicago “focused on addressing mental health issues, food insecurity, income loss and the needs of individuals excluded from federal stimulus programmes” as stated by the foundation established by the recording Artiste in the year 2012.
Their statements further read that “In Newark, which has one of the highest COVID-19 infection rates in the country, senior citizens, low-income families and homeless individuals are facing impossible decisions everyday: whether to buy groceries or pay utility bills, risk eviction or risk crowded shelters”.
They further noted that “In Chicago, racial disparities are contributing to alarmingly disproportionate rates of infection and death among Black and Brown people. And throughout the U.S., mental health and suicide prevention support providers – particularly those serving children, at-risk students and LGBTQ youth have seen a dramatic rise in demand for their services.”
In addition to what was said it was made clear by the foundation that “On June 18, in partnership with Jack Dorsey’s #StartSmall initiative, we are donating more than $15 million to organizations focused on addressing mental health issues, food insecurity, income loss and the needs of individuals excluded from federal stimulus programs in Newark and Chicago (sic)”.
An amount of $4.2 million was donated by Rihanna and Jack in April to help domestic violence victims during the pandemic.
According to a statement that was read “An estimated 10 million people experience domestic violence in the U.S. each year. The Los Angeles Housing Authority has determined that dozens of individuals (and their children, in many cases) are being turned away from at-capacity domestic violence shelters every week as incidents have been on the rise since the Safer at Home Order was issued in March.”
Previously Rihanna made an announcement that an amount of $5 million in grants will be given to people working against Covid-19 on the frontline by her Clara Lionel Foundation as well in collaboration with rapper and business mogul Jay-z followed up with $1 million to fight the coronavirus.
