The Black Lives Matter movement may be centered in and stem from the US and America’s institutional abuses against Black people, but the movement has spread to become a global phenomenon addressing inequality and injustice abroad as well. A recent Black Lives Matter protest in London received attention from the participation of Star Wars actor John Boyega, and today, outspoken grime star Stormzy declared his plans to contribute to the cause to the tune of £10 million.
Stormzy issued a statement of intent via his #Merky label, writing that he plans to donate £1 million a year for 10 years to “organisations, charities and movements that are committed to fighting racial inequality, justice reform and Black empowerment within the UK.” He also included this would be part of a “lifetime commitment” to the cause of equality, justice, and empowerment.
“I’m lucky enough to be in the position I’m in and I’ve heard people often dismiss the idea of racism existing in Britain by saying, ‘If the country’s so racist how have you become a success?!’” he explained. “I reject that with this: I am not the UK’s shining example of what supposedly happens when a Black person works hard. There are millions of us. We are not far and few.”
Fans of Stormzy have commended his huge commitment to the cause, pointing out that the donation is about half of his total wealth, compared to billionaires who have donated barely 1% of their unfathomable net worth.
The Duke of Westminster got a huge amount of praise for giving £12.5m to the NHS. He is worth £10.1 billion which is 0.1% of his wealth.
Stormzy has promised to donate £10 million to support Black British organisations which is 50% of his entire wealth.
No mention by the media.— Freddie (@FreddieBailey96) June 11, 2020
Where should we put Stormzy's statue?
— Jessica Creighton (@JessCreighton1) June 11, 2020
Stormzy has promised to donate £10 million to support Black British organisations. He’s worth £20 million.
Meanwhile Jeff Bezos pledged to donate $2 billion in 2018. He’s worth $140 billion. That’s 1.4% of his wealth.
Don’t celebrate billionaires like Bezos.— Hasan Patel ?? (@CorbynistaTeen) June 11, 2020
Stormzy donated ten million British sterling pounds. Do you guys know how big that is?
— menace. (@zeelovee_x) June 11, 2020
