Kanye West is one controversial figure– even in the black community. In recent years, he received criticism from his fellow African Americans for being a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump.
It looks like he’s turning things around now by stepping up for the community during a time of need.
Kanye’s Contributions
The rapper has reportedly donated to the families of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and Ahmaud Arbery in the wake of their deaths.
He specifically created a 529 college savings plan for Gianna, who is Floyd’s six-year-old daughter. In addition to this generous deed, the 42-year-old musician also gave $2 million to help in the legal defenses for Taylor’s and Arbery’s cases.
West didn’t stop there. The business mogul also donated to a list of struggling black-owned businesses in Chicago and the rest of the country.
Black Community Rises Up
The ‘Through the Wire’ singer’s donations come as the United States erupted in protests following the killing of Floyd while being pinned down by the neck by a white police officer. The incident including the 46-year-old unarmed black man’s pleas for his life were caught on video.
The recent uprisings also called for justice for Arbery, an unarmed black man who was killed by two white men in February while he was out jogging, and Taylor, a 26-year-old black woman, fatally shot by police after a ‘no-knock’ warrant gone awry in March.
Arbery’s shooters, a father and son identified as Gregory and Travis McMichael, have since been charged with aggravated assault and murder. However, Taylor’s assailants haven’t been arrested and are only on leave from the police officer.
Justice on the Way
Justice seems to be going faster in Floyd’s case, though. The Minnesota officer, Derek Chauvin, who was seen with his knee on Floyd’s neck in the video, has been charged with second-degree unintentional murder.
Meanwhile, the other three police officers present during the incident have been fired from the department. The same officers have also been charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder.
The city council of Minneapolis has also expressed the desire to disband its police force in the wake of Floyd’s death. They suggested a new system of public safety to replace traditional law enforcement.
Other cities and states are also discussing similar moves to defund police departments across the United States.