As the old saying goes, money talks — and now, the rich and famous are using it to make a statement.
Singer Barbra Streisand recently gifted an undisclosed amount of shares in media company Disney to Gianna Floyd, the daughter of George Floyd — who was murdered by Minneapolis police officers earlier this year, in an incident that has sparked weeks of protests against systemic racism and police brutality around the nation.
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She’s the latest in a line of celebrities, institutions and everyday people doing her part to secure Gianna Floyd’s future. Texas Southern University offered her a full scholarship, if she wishes to attend, and rapper Kanye West set up a multimillion-dollar college fund in her name. A GoFundMe page was also created for her — as of publication, it’s raised over $2.2 million.
It’s a refreshing change of pace from the heavily mocked videos of stars singing John Lennon’s “Imagine,” or of white actors stating soberly that they own their privilege. Following the release of those efforts, a torrent of people took to social media to ask celebrities to open their wallets, instead of their mouths.
Some, it seems, heeded the message. In addition to those contributing to Gianna Floyd’s future, other famous figures like actresses Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolie, as well as singers Lady Gaga and Janelle Monae, have donated to organizations like the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and nonprofit Color of Change.
More of this — and fewer cringe-inducing videos — please.
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