Ava DuVernay And Ryan Coogler Are Hosting A #JusticeForFlint Concert Opposite The Oscars

ava duvernay ryan coogler
Getty Image

If you’re interested in some Oscars counter programming for a good cause, there’s a #JusticeForFlint benefit concert airing now on Revolt TV for those affected by the Flint Water Crisis. Hollywood directors Ava DuVernay and Ryan Coogler organized the concert in Flint with Blackout For Human Rights. The concert features singers like Janelle Monae, actors like Jesse Williams, and comedian Hannibal Buress as host.

According to Vox, DuVernay and Coogler organized the concert to raise money for Flint’s citizens, and also to give them a voice. DuVernay says that the event wasn’t intended to comment on the #OscarsSoWhite controversy. “We are basically saying on this night there are other things going on around issues of justice and dignity,” she says.

Coogler tells Buzzfeed that the decision to hold the concert during the same weekend as the Oscars was a coincidence, since this is also the last weekend of Black History Month.

People revved up for the benefit under #JusticeForFlint hashtag. The tweets convey anger at the powers that be for not stopping this crisis, such as Michigan governor Rick Snyder.

https://twitter.com/ChisaraAsomugha/status/704095390908489728

https://twitter.com/NerdyWonka/status/704095202978312192

https://twitter.com/ShaunKing/status/704090185663909890

There are snippets of the ongoing performances as well.

And this tweet does call out the Oscars.

(via Vox and Buzzfeed)