If news of Alton Sterling’s death at the hand of Baton Rouge police has left you wanting to take action, YouTuber Issa Rae has a very sweet idea.
After hearing news of the slain CD salesman and seeing his 15-year-old son Cameron break down during Wednesday’s press conference, Rae was in a similar boat. She tweeted her frustration Wednesday afternoon, wishing there was something she could do for Sterling’s five children.
Can we got a scholarship fund going 4 #AltonSterling‘s son/kids? Some of us feel helpless when these things happen, but that’s a small step.
— Issa Rae (@IssaRae) July 6, 2016
Then, she sprang into action and started a GoFundMe for the family.
Want to play a small part? Donate to the #AltonSterling Family Scholarship Fund. *ALL* proceeds will go to his fam: https://t.co/DiMEF3YfFQ
— Issa Rae (@IssaRae) July 6, 2016
In the fund’s description, Rae wrote: “If you feel helpless, but want to play a small part in easing the burden of #AltonSterling’s family, consider donating to this scholarship fund for his 15-year-old son (and his other kids).”
The idea has resonated with people. In only two hours, the fund has reached $30,000 of its $40,000 goal, and it shows no signs of slowing down.
The comedy community has gotten wind of the fund, too, and standups have started sharing the link to the GoFundMe page.
Please donate to the Alton Sterling Family Scholarship.https://t.co/eRjfdU7q0i
— John Mulaney (@mulaney) July 6, 2016
https://twitter.com/JoeMande/status/750785966474944512
Rae says 100 percent of the proceeds will go to Sterling’s family.
