As Los Angeles prepares to rebuild after the devastating wildfire crisis this month, Flavor Flav is spearheading an important cause: supporting Black families who have been displaced in the disaster.
On Monday (Jan. 20), the Public Enemy rapper shared in a video on his socials revealing that he has partnered with GoFundMe and the Black Music Action Coalition to streamline a donation site benefiting Black households affected by the Eaton fire in the Pasadena/Altadena area. Contributions will be spread out across more than 700 families listed in a database compiled by Community Aid Dena, AFROPUNK and WalkGood LA.
“This is Flavor Flav in the building,” the musician says in the clip. “It’s been inspiring to me, seeing a lot people coming together right now, lifting each other’s spirits.”
“There’s not enough being done for the Black families and the communities,” Flav continues. “Come on, y’all. Let’s make L.A. strong, baby. Let’s help those in need.”
At press time, the hip-hop star’s fundraiser has already raised nearly $30,000. Donations can be made on the GoFundMe website.
Flav is just the latest musician to champion charitable efforts in the two weeks since dangerous wildfires first broke out in Pacific Palisades Jan. 7, after which more blazes quickly erupted in other parts of L.A. Countless buildings, homes and possessions have been destroyed as first responders struggle to extinguish the remaining flames, while 27 people have been reported dead so far, according to CNN.
Taylor Swift, The Weeknd and Beyoncé’s BeyGood Foundation are just a few of the other big names who have boosted various organizations serving victims of the crisis while making sizable donations of their own. Doja Cat unveiled a line of custom merchandise with proceeds benefiting those in need, and Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Olivia Rodrigo and several more stars have signed on to perform at FireAid, an upcoming charity concert benefiting Los Angeles’ plans to rebuild.
In the wake of the crisis, the “Shake Your Booty” musician also found a way recently to support Leighton Meester and Adam Brody, who reportedly lost their home to the fires. In a TikTok posted Jan. 14, Flav danced to the Gossip Girl star’s 2009 single “Somebody to Love” featuring Robin Thicke and told fans, “Stream @LeightonMeester ‘Somebody to Love’ and use the song in yo TikTok’s.”
He wrote in his caption, “Starting to hype up my girl Leighton Meester and help her family recover from the fire.”
See Flav’s announcement below.
