By BRIANNA ROBLES
Contributing Writer
Hurricane Maria has left many citizens of Puerto Rico stranded and needing help. Following Hurricane Irma, Maria has superseded the devastation and has Puerto Rico struggling economically to rebuild. Maria has left approximately 3.4 million people without power and at least 16 people dead according to reports. Many citizens have no access to water, food and other supplies needed for survival. The Governor of Puerto Rico has asked for sympathy as they try to get through this hard time. He also begs Congress to pass a bill in order to help rebuild, or else they’ll become “a massive exodus to the United States”.
Following Hurricane Maria, many celebrities including Pitbull, Jennifer Lopez, Kevin Hart, Jay- Z and Fat Joe have joined forces in order to help citizens of Puerto Rico rebuild. Famous rapper, Pitbull has vowed to send his private plane to Puerto Rico in order to transport cancer patients from Puerto Rico to the states. The island has 69 hospitals but only 11 have fuel and power to treat patients. It has been reported by the governor of Puerto Rico that patients have died in ICU due to no power and many children are depending on generators and batteries to keep them alive. Pitbull hasn’t been very public with his donation to Puerto Rico but has expressed that he “thanks God we’re blessed to help.”
Fat Joe and Jay-Z have also joined forces to donate to the cause. These two artists announced on Sept. 28 via Tidal that they will also be sending supplies to Puerto Rico in order to help those who have been misplaced and left with little to nothing. The message from the streaming website stated that by way of a cargo plane, “leaving on Friday, Oct. 7, this first plane will carry 200,000 pounds of batteries, flashlights, portable lanterns, diapers, baby wipes, cases of water, and feminine hygiene products.”
Fat Joe also took to Instagram in a heartwarming post to explain his goal to help his homeland of Puerto Rico and encourage people from around the world to donate through different websites and events. Proceeds from “TIDAL X Brooklyn,” which will take place on Oct. 19, which includes performances from Puerto Rico natives, Fat Joe, Jennifer Lopez and others like Chris Brown, Cardi B and Jay-Z is set to bring awareness to natural disasters and be donated to those places affected by the previous natural disasters.
Other celebrities have also sent monetary donations to Puerto Rico. Jennifer Lopez and Kevin Hart took to their social medias to express their concern and challenged others to pledge. Kevin Hart announced that he will be donating $50,000 in support of TIDAL’s pledge. Also, Jennifer Lopez has joined forces with her ex husband Marc Anthony to not only donating $1 million to fund relief but they have also worked together to create “Somas Una Voz,” which translates to “We Are One Voice” to encourage unity when natural disasters occur.
Different organizations have teamed together in an effort to help rebuild Puerto Rico. A GoFundMe account has been made in order to for others to donate monetary gifts. Money raised from the GoFundMe account will be distributed between the American Red Cross, Reach Out Worldwide, United Way, and United for Puerto Rico.
