Bun B Is Using His Hip-Hop Platform to Help Victims of Houston’s Deadly Floods (Video)
Over the course of several days Houston, Texas and surrounding areas have been inundated with rain, leading to severe flooding. Thousands of people have been in need of rescue, and most reports have shared the tragic news that six people have lost their lives. With more than 17 inches of rain falling in less than 24 hours in some places, the state of Texas is now experiencing formal states of emergencies in nine counties, with Governor Greg Abbott focusing much of his attention on Houston – the fourth largest city in the country. One of its residents, rapper Bun B (born Bernard Sullivan) has begun to lend his voice to the crisis in powerful ways, aiding victims and calling out those he feels are putting the lives of Texans in danger.
Although a native of nearby Port Arthur, Sullivan has spent much of his career putting Houston on the Hip-Hop map, and he has worked extensively as a lecturer at the city’s Rice University. Since yesterday (April 18), Sullivan has been using his various social media platforms to document the effects of not only the flooding but also the aftermath. He began with this video, sharing the warning “[s]tay home. Don’t try it. I barely made it back after my flight got cancelled. Dozens of people stuck near Intercontinental Airport because of high waters.” Shortly thereafter, he began to share news clips depicting just how serious the conditions were, and in the 24 hours since, his posts have become far more critical of the situation.
“Employers if you called your employees in today, shame on you,” he wrote before calling them “bastards.” However, not all of his social-media presence was directed towards criticizing those he felt were exacerbating an already terrible situation. In follow-up posts, he announced to folks in the area of Greenspoint that “[t]rucks are currently picking up those that can’t leave and bringing them here for shelter relocation,” pleading with his followers “instead of blaming the mayor go help ya fellow man.” He has also organized for Spanish volunteers for those who need them, and helped organize shelter for victims. In a particularly informative Instagram video post he shared “All people looking for shelter come to Campbell [C]enter. They’re accepting people and hot food only. Resources (water, clothes, etc) should be sent to Williams Middle School. Buses are still transporting people from Greenspoint Mall though. If you need transportation to shelter go to Greenspoint Mall if you can’t get to the Campbell Center.” He shared the compelling story of just one individual affected by the flood, one which likely resonates with the thousands of others dealing with the ongoing fallout.
His updates continued throughout Monday night, and with the flooding subsiding (but with rain in the forecast), he has refocused his energies on other things, including his upcoming appearance at Harvard. He is continuing to update citizens and those looking to help on Twitter.
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