Amid the many surprises Beyoncé dropped over the weekend, you might’ve missed this one: The superstar entertainer started a fund to aid children in Flint, Michigan, affected by their local water crisis.
Her interest in Flint’s current state of affairs isn’t too surprising. Flint is a working-class city of about 100,000 people – the majority of whom are black. And the water crisis is particularly harmful to young kids. Beyoncé is a known advocate for civil rights and children’s causes.
Last year, research scientists from Virginia Tech ran tests on Flint’s tap water and found high levels of lead. Exposure to lead can cause lower intelligence and attention problems – especially in kids under age 6. To make matters more concerning, the effects of lead exposure can’t be reversed.
So the singer says she is partnering with the Community Foundation of Greater Flint to “create a fund that will address long-term developmental, education, nutrition and health needs of the children affected by the Flint Water Crisis.” The move is a part of her ongoing philanthropic efforts to team up with local charities in areas that sometimes coincide with tour stops.
After releasing a politically charged new song and video Saturday and performing at the Super Bowl on Sunday, Beyoncé announced a world tour in a commercial that ran right after her performance. The tour is being promoted by Live Nation, and an announcement on its site touted the new fund.
Reveal reached out to Beyoncé’s charity organization, #BeyGOOD, and Live Nation for more details about how the initiative will be funded and how she will support her latest cause on tour. We have yet to hear back.