alton sterling

Issa Rae Raised More Than $200,000 for Alton Sterling’s Family in Just 9 Hours

2016 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards Luncheon - Red Carpet
Issa Rae. Photo: Earl Gibson III/Getty Images

After thousands watched the oldest son of Alton Sterling, who was killed by police on Tuesday, cry out for his father at a heartbreaking press conference alongside his mother, more than 9,000 people have offered their financial support to Sterling’s five children. On Wednesday, Awkward Black Girl and Insecure writer/actress Issa Rae tweeted about wanting to start a scholarship fund for Sterling’s surviving children, explaining, “Some of us feel helpless when these things happen, but that’s a small step.†She then got in contact with the family’s lawyer and started a GoFundMe page with the goal of raising $200,000 for all of Sterling’s children. As Rae proudly noted just nine hours later, the goal had already been met. At time of publication, the donations are closing in on $300,000, with every dollar going to Sterling’s family.

Issa Rae Raises $200k for Sterling’s Family