Though Ferguson, Missouri, seems to have fallen out of the national news cycle, the struggle continues and rapper Talib Kweli is adamant about giving a helping hand.
In October, Kweli along with Autumn Marie, Donna Dragotta, Tef Poe and Tory Russell put together a crowdfunding effort called The Ferguson Defense Fund designed to provide financial backing for many of the protesters and activists taking part in the demonstrations in the wake of the killing of unarmed teenager Mike Brown in August.
Starting with a goal of $25,000, the group has raised more than $112,000. Kweli says it is his hope that the money helps those who have committed their time and efforts to the protests.
“These are young men and women who have put their lives on hold to stand up for all of our freedoms,” said Kweli. “The overly militarized police force in Ferguson has attempted to criminalize them by harassing and throwing them in jail for exercising their right to peaceful protest. We hope these funds help to empower.”
On Friday, Feb. 13, a number of organizations, including Artists As Tutors, The Bereavement Fund, Jail & Bail Fund, Juventud Raza Unida: Latinos En Axion STL, Revolutionary Reading Program: Freedom Fighters, Tech Impact Initiative: Hands Up United, and The Transitional Housing Program were among the first to receive grants from The Ferguson Defense Fund.
