As we prepare to wrap up the holiday season, it’s a joy to see celebs continuing to give back.
With the digital divide still being a major issue now elevated due to the global pandemic, it’s imperative that students have access to the resources that they need particularly with schools pivoting to only online instruction.
Marlon Wayans is ensuring that this happens having recently donated computers to children in Harlem, reports NewsOne.
“Brought a bunch of computers for Harlem kids in NYC,” wrote the comedian in an Instagram post. “Using my hard work to build other roses from concrete. Go be great…know somebody cares…ME! Invest in your communities that watch you buy could help buy kids a future. #tanikabean love you! Your passion made me passionately give. Invest in your communities, they need us.”
View this post on Instagram
Pew Research Center reports that 59 percent of parents with lower incomes fear their children will face digital barriers when it comes to the completion of their schooling. Further research determined that not only is this the case, but one in five parents revealed their children did not have access to a computer, thus preventing them from participating in online learning.
Marlon isn’t the only big name putting his money where his mouth is, NBA star Russell Westbrook also recently teamed up with Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner’s Office of Education and Comp-U-Dopt to donate 650 computers to children in Houston. The initiative was led by his Why Not? Foundation created with the mission of using education-focused programs to empower youth in underserved communities.
“It’s something that I’m very, very passionate about through my foundation, and I’m just trying to find a way — especially now — to be able to bridge the gap and give kids access to another way of learning, through computers,” said Westbrook in a statement to CBS Sports. “This allows them to be able to continue their education, especially from home. I’m happy to be a part of it.”
Shout out to both Marlon and Westbook for using their resources to provide the youth with the tools needed to be successful in the midst of a global pandemic.
