Celebrity support for charities during the current pandemic has seen a huge boon this week thanks to the efforts of rapper Eminem and Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey.

Eminem announced on fellow rapper Lil Wayne’s “Young Money Radio” podcast yesterday that he would be donating $250,000 to The Marshall Mathers Foundation. This charity was established by Eminem in 2002, under his real name, Marshall Mathers. It primarily works to assist disadvantaged youth in the Detroit area, where he himself grew up. Over the years the foundation has raised funds and held events for the local community, working tirelessly to battle poverty and homelessness. Since COVID-19, efforts have increased to provide support to those most in need. Most recently, they surprised front line workers in Detroit with free food provided by the rapper via an arrangement with a local catering company. Eminem’s revelation that he will be injecting the large sum into the charity was met with praise and gratitude from fans and the people of Detroit.

But the good news for those in need was only just starting. Immediately following Mathers’ announcement of his intended donation, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey phoned into “Young Money Radio” and made a declaration of his own. Dorsey stated that he would be donating $750,000 to the foundation on top of Mathers’ contribution to “make it a cool million.”  These funds will no doubt be put to excellent use in this growing time of need. Eminem posted a tweet thanking Dorsey for his generosity today, along with a short video of the podcast. 

Eminem has often been cited as being one of the most charitable celebrities, easily breaking into most top ten lists on the topic. His Marshall Mathers foundation has now been running for 18 years, a legacy he holds as dear as his music. Often one to keep his philanthropy close to the chest, he has commented in the past that he does not want to gain publicity from his charitable works. That his driving force for the foundation is the good work itself, not just “good publicity.” Admirable in his generosity and humility, the multi-Grammy-winning rapper has never forgotten where he came from. And the people of Detroit will continue to be grateful for his efforts, and the additional support of kind souls like Dorsey in keeping The Marshall Mathers Foundation going strong. 

Author: Harley Houghton

Harley Houghton is a writer and blogger, based in Melbourne, Australia. Her passions include music, especially metal, gaming and comics. Check out her blog www.harleysmadhouse.com and follow her on Twitter.