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The powerful reason a bunch of Hollywood stars are in Flint, Michigan, for Oscar night.

#JusticeForFlint

Did you hear about the other star-studded event happening Sunday night?

In Los Angeles, Hollywood is celebrating the 88th Academy Awards. But not every A-lister is in attendance at the Dolby Theatre — some are in Flint, Michigan, instead.

Singer Janelle Monae. Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images.

Several celebs made their way to Flint to throw a free concert for residents and to raise funds for the ongoing water crisis there.

The event, #JusticeForFlint, is presented by activist group Blackout for Human Rights and takes place at the city's Whiting Auditorium downtown.

Lots of big names are there, like the director of "Creed," Ryan Coogler.


Photo by Francois Durand/Getty Images.


And "Grey's Anatomy's" Jesse Williams.


Photo by Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images.

The event is being hosted by funnyman Hannibal Buress...


Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images.

...and "Selma" director Ava DuVernay has also thrown her support behind the effort.

Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images.

#JusticeForFlint's goal is to highlight the dire issue of the city's water crisis, a world away from the glitz and glamour of the Oscars.

What's happened in Flint is a downright disaster — and a completely preventable one at that.

After the city switched its water source to save money under the authority of the state of Michigan in 2014, lead began seeping into the city's waterways. What's most alarming, however, is that all the red flags raised by residents were dismissed.

Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty Images.

The crisis has led to calls for Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder to resign and brought the conversation of America's crumbling infrastructure — particularly in struggling cities and communities of color — into the spotlight.

That's why you could argue what's happening in Flint tonight is probably more important than who wins Best Picture.

As celebrities paraded down the red carpet in Hollywood, young people and activists were taking to the stage in Flint and sharing their stories.



It's incredibly powerful stuff, and though most people are tuning in to the Oscars tonight, the crisis in Flint is not one that should be so easily brushed from our minds.

You can help Flint by watching the event live here on Revolt TV and by texting JUSTICE to 83224 to donate $5 or by throwing your support behind the efforts to get more clean water to residents in need.

Because if any folks deserve justice, it's those in Flint.

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