Last week, an apartment-building fire in the Bronx left 17 people dead and more than 60 people injured. Following the tragedy, New York State announced a $2 million fund for the victims of the fire to help with case-management services, personal-property replacement, and relocation assistance, as well as a mass funeral. And on Wednesday, Bronx native Cardi B said she plans to pay the funeral costs for those who lost their lives in the fire.
“I’m extremely proud to be from the Bronx, and I have lots of family and friends who live and work there still,” she told CNN. “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. I send my prayers and condolences to everyone affected by this horrific tragedy.”
According to CNN, the rapper partnered with the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City for her donation, going as far as paying for families that had ties to Gambia to be able to fly and bury their loved ones there. This isn’t the first time Cardi has donated to New Yorkers in need: In 2020, she donated meals to the city’s health-care workers amidst the pandemic and has been active on social media to meet fans’ donations as well.
“The resilience of this city reflects everyday New Yorkers who never turn their back on one another,” said Mayor Eric Adams in a press release. “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.”