Over the past week, Puerto Ricans have taken to social media to vent their frustration surrounding the U.S. government’s relief efforts for Hurricane Maria. Even local government officials, like Rep. Luis V. Gutierrez and Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló, have voiced demand for equal treatment in federal relief aid.
In the absence of a substantial relief package, Boricuas across the diaspora have stepped up to address the humanitarian crisis, with entertainers and musicians leading many of the efforts. The latest announcement comes from Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony, who just launched Somos Una Voz, a humanitarian campaign aimed at providing food, shelter, medicine, and power to victims of Mexico’s recent 7.1 earthquake and Hurricane Maria.
The former couple has called on a massive alliance of celebrities for the campaign, including: Alejandro Fernandez, Alejandro Sanz, Alex Rodriguez, Alex Sensation, Bruno Mars, Caila, Chayanne, Daddy Yankee, Ed Sheeran, Edward Norton, Enrique Santos, Fat Joe, Fonseca, Gente de Zona, J Balvin, Jada Pinkett Smith, Jessy & Joy, Jimmy Smits, John Leguizamo, Juan Luis Guerra, Kany Garcia, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Luis Fonsi, Maluma, Magic!, Mario Domm, Motiff, Nacho, Narciso Rodriguez, Nicky Jam, Paul Simon, Pitbull, Prince Royce, Ricky Martin, Romeo Santos, Vin Diesel, and Yandel.
In a press release, Lopez and Anthony explain that the combined 1 billion social media followers of the alliance will “help raise awareness of and donations for those in need.” Donations will be heading to American Red Cross, Reach Out Worldwide, United Way, United for Puerto Rico, with more organizations to be announced, but if you’re looking to donate at a more grassroots level for maximized impact, consider one of the local organizations on this list.
Earlier this week, another celebrity initiative called Voices for Puerto Rico was launched to support communities affected by Hurricane Maria, featuring celebrities like Gina Rodriguez, Luis Guzman, Justina Machado, Benicio del Toro, Esai Morales, and more.
Funds for Somos Una Voz being collected via a GoFundMe page, which has already collected over $13,000 in aid. Learn more about the initiative on the Somos Una Voz website.
October 14 at 5:30 p.m. ET: As part of Somos Una Voz, J.Lo, Marc Anthony, and Alex Rodriguez will also host a benefit concert, “One Voice: Somos Live!,” on October 14 at 8 p.m. ET. Stream it at https://www.facebook.com/Remezcla.