The Weeknd has given $250,000 towards the Black Lives Matter in a show of solidarity towards the black community. The Beauty Behind the Madness artist's gift to the Black Lives Matter Network follows a donation to The University on Toronto to help fund an Ethiopic Studies program.
Two sources confirmed his donation to the Black Lives Matter Network to The FADER this past Wednesday (Aug. 10). The organization explains itself as “a chapter-based national organization working for the the validity of Black life.” This network even has a section in his hometown of Toronto.
The Weeknd has been vocal on his stance about the brutality against blacks back in July, and the subsequent shooting of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile. He took to social media to voice his opinions, tweeting, “enough is enough. it’s time to stand up for this. we can either sit and watch, or do something about it. the time is now. #blacklivesmatter.”
In a tweet released shortly thereafter the Canadian artist added, “#BLUELIVESMURDER.
enough is enough. it's time to stand up for this. we can either sit and watch, or do something about it. the time is now. #blacklivesmatter
— The Weeknd (@theweeknd) July 7, 2016
#BLUELIVESMURDER — The Weeknd (@theweeknd) July 7, 2016
In other news, The Weeknd recently cancelled a performance with rapper Belly this past May on Jimmy Kimmel Live because they weren’t informed that controversial Republican candidate Donald Trump would be appearing on the show. They were slated to perform their song together “Might Not.” The two have co-written the songs “The Hills,” “Into the Night,” and “Often” in the past.
While the Weeknd did not release a statement on the matter, simply by canceling he made his feelings on Trump known. Belly did however give an interview to the Associated Press on his stance.
“I create songs people go to sleep and wake up to, songs they fall in love to. For me, being Muslim and being somebody that appreciates my access here in America, I love the fact that I’m able to be here. To play my part in this business is a privilege and a beautiful thing. The fact that I could lose that ability through the actions of someone such as Donald Trump isn’t right to me. At all,” he said.
