Water crisis benefit brings stars to Flint on Oscar night

Broadcast live online by Revolt.TV, the free #JusticeForFlint show raised more than $133,000 in donations, DuVernay tweeted after the show.

While the Hollywood elite gathered for the Oscars on Sunday, another star-studded event took place – this one with a different goal than honoring the rich and famous.

FLINT, Mich. (AP) — A benefit for residents affected by the lead-contaminated water crisis in Flint features some big names but is a grass-roots effort at its core, “Creed” director Ryan Coogler said Sunday.

“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”, Coogler said to BuzzFeed ahead of the event.

Director Ryan Coogler, like DuVernay in 2015 for Selma, was overlooked this year in the Oscar nominations for best director for his film, Creed.

Actors Hill Harper and Jesse Williams, comedian Hannibal Buress, Ebony senior editor Jamilah Lemieux, Gwen Madiba is the Ambassador of the Nelson Mandela Legacy in Canada were other notable faces.

Last night, a cadre of stars descended upon the Whiting Auditorium in the city of Flint, Michigan to show love and support for the citizens who’ve been coping with the poisoned water that was allowed into their homes by the city’s government for more than two years. If you would like to discuss another topic, look for a relevant article.

Be proactive – Use the “Flag as Inappropriate” link at the upper right corner of each comment to let us know of abusive posts.