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Issa Rae establishes scholarship fund for Alton Sterling’s family

The GoFundMe campaign raised $30,000 in two hours.

 

Christine Friar

Streaming

Posted on Jul 6, 2016   Updated on May 26, 2021, 12:09 pm CDT

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. 

Then, she sprang into action and started a GoFundMe for the family. 

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.


Rae says 100 percent of the proceeds will go to Sterling’s family.

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*First Published: Jul 6, 2016, 5:15 pm CDT