Erykah Badu and The Right Productions are joining forces to stage a special benefit concert in New York. Proceeds from the concert will be donated towards the African American 490 Challenge of Enough SAID (Enough Sexual Assault in Detroit), a campaign raising money to fund the testing of unprocessed rape kits. The Right Productions have stated that 5$ for every ticket sold will be donated towards the cause. Their goal is to raise $50,000, while the AA490 Challenge's year-end goal is $657,090.
“Together, we stand for justice. We are honored to make Chene Park the site for great artistry supporting a great mission,” said Shahida Mausi, the CEO of The Right Productions. “Erykah Badu is a true artist. She is a cultural icon. She answered the call, lending her voice to those who work to redress a wrong.”
Over 11,000 untested rape kits were recovered from a Detroit Police Department storage unit in 2009, and while some have been processed, a substantial amount still need to be tested. The Michigan Women's Foundation, the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office, and the Detroit Crime Commission joined forces to create Enough SAID, a campaign designed to raise money for the processing of the untested rape kits. The funds will also be used to promote the investigation and prosecution of those rapes.
“It should come as no surprise that an artist with Erykah Badu’s impressive history of social consciousness would join forces with the black women leaders of Detroit to address this important social issue,” said Kim Trent, the president of Enough SAID's African American 490 Challenge. “We are very excited that she is lending her considerable talent to our cause.” The concert is scheduled for Friday, August 12th at Chene Park Amphitheater in Detroit.
By Ryan Donberg for RAPstation.com
