Russ Raises $250K For Black Lives Matter From T-Shirt Sales

BY Erika Marie 3.5K Views
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Russ, Black Lives Matter
Russ is hoping to raise up to $1 million for Black Lives Matter from the sales of a "white silence" shirt he wore back in 2017.

It's apparent that some of our favorite entertainers have opted to keep their mouths shut about this current political movement. Reporter Don Lemon recently stirred the pot when he called out celebrities, by name, who he believed should have used their platforms to condemn police brutality and injustice. Even so, there are plenty of others who remain silent, but it hasn't gone unnoticed—especially by Russ. The rapper-singer has taken to social media not only to raise awareness about Black Lives Matter but to put his money where his mouth is.

"Some artists are scared to lose their fanbase meanwhile black people are scared to lose their LIFE everyday," Russ wrote. Then, he shared a 2017 photo of himself wearing a t-shirt that reads: "If you want to change the system, speak up White silence is the problem." Russ decided to sell the shirt and give all proceeds to Black Lives Matter.

At the time of this publication, Russ has raised over $250K for the cause, and now he has his eyes set on $1 million. We'll have to wait and see if he'll be able to reach his goal, but for being just a few hours, this has been quite the accomplishment. Check out a few of his tweets below.


About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

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