Selena Gomez has teamed with PLUS1 to launch the Black Equality Fund, to “drive money and awareness to those who are at the forefront of the movement fighting for change.” Joining with the non-profit that has been helping artists raise funds for causes close to their hearts since 2014, Gomez tweeted that “it’s all of our responsibility to fight for equality & justice for the Black community. Silence isn’t an option, let’s all join this fight for equality.”
All donations raised as part of the effort will go to 10 organizations: TGI Justice Project, Black Futures Lab, Fair Count, African American Policy Forum, BLDPWR, Color of Change, Know Your Rights Camp, BU Center for Antiracist Research, Equal Justice Initiative and the Movement for Black Lives. “Black Lives Matter,” Gomez writes on the Black Equality Fund’s site. “Everyone needs to have their voices heard and we can do that by VOTING, as well as lending our time, effort and (if able) donations to fight for equality, equity and justice for the black community and other marginalized communities. Join me!“
Last Thursday, Gomez — who is preparing to release a remix of Trevor Daniel’s “Past Life” on Friday (June 26) — expressed gratitude to the Black leaders who took over her Instagram page for the past two weeks. “I want to thank all of the amazing people that took the time to speak to us directly,” Gomez began her note, which included photos of the dozen individuals. “I am blown away with your knowledge, eagerness to teach and commitment to ensuring Black voices are not silenced. Educating ourselves is the first step if we hope to make any progress in bringing an end to systemic racism.”
Earlier this month, amid nationwide protests following the killing of George Floyd, Gomez handed over her Instagram account to leaders in the Black community including rapper Killer Mike, Black Lives Matter co-founder Alicia Garza, activist Ruby Bridges, and former Georgia gubernatorial nominee Stacey Abrams.
See Selena’s tweets below.