Cardi B Is Paying for the Funerals of Bronx Fire Victims: ‘I Needed to Do Something’
Cardi B, like Jennifer Lopez, never forgets where she came from: the Bronx. Now, as her home borough grieves from the loss of 17 victims in a tragic fire, the “Bodak Yellow” rapper is stepping in to help.
Cardi B is proud to be from the Bronx
In early January 2022, 17 people living in an apartment building died after a fire broke out in the middle of the night. Many of the building’s residents were from the small West African nation of The Gambia.
The tragedy claimed the lives of eight children and nine adults and gripped the hearts of people everywhere — including Bronx native Cardi B. She was so upset that she was moved to action.
“I’m extremely proud to be from the Bronx and I have lots of family and friends who live and work there still,” she said in a statement. “So, when I heard about the fire and all of the victims, I knew I needed to do something to help.”
Cardi B is helping the Bronx fire victims
To help alleviate some of the burden on the families of the fire’s victims, Cardi fronted the costs of all funeral and burial services for the 17 people lost. She made the donation with The Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City.
“I cannot begin to imagine the pain and anguish that the families of the victims are experiencing, but I hope that not having to worry about the costs associated with burying their loved ones will help as they move forward and heal,” Cardi said. “I send my prayers and condolences to everyone affected by this horrific tragedy.”
Cardi B even received praise for her work from New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “We are grateful for Cardi B, a real superstar on and off the mic, for granting some critical financial relief to families of the victims,” Adams said in a statement. “The city will be forever thankful to her and also to the grassroots donors and corporate partners who have been able to offer immediate support for our neighbors in need, to reestablish themselves during this difficult time.” The owner of the apartment building, Rick Gropper, is a member of Adams’ mayoral transition team.
Celebrities like Jay-Z and Fat Joe have also helped
Cardi B isn’t the only celebrity to lend a helping hand to those hurting in the Bronx. Bronx native Fat Joe, for example, donated to The Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City and called on his Instagram followers to do the same.
“I need all my people worldwide to come together for the families devastated by the fire in the Bronx,” Fat Joe said. “I’m donating and I’m asking everyone that has a heart to donate.”
Fat Joe isn’t the only one to use his voice for good. Jay-Z, Busta Rhymes, DJ Khaled, actor Anthony Ramos, Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, and former New York Yankees player Derek Jeter also contributed to the fund.
