Victoria La Mala Releases Immigrant Rights-Themed Charity Single “Corazon Valiente”

Victoria La Mala is raising her voice to raise awareness for the plight of migrant families separated at the border…

The Mexican singer, an up and coming regional Mexican singer/songwriter signed to Roc Nation Latin, not only marched in support of reuniting families last month.

Victoria La Mala

She also wrote “Corazón Valiente” with Claudia Brant in the wake of the government’s decision to rescind DACA.

“You risked so much searching for a dream, how can they tear it away like that?” La Mala asks in her song, inspired in part by her own immigration experience when she moved from Mexico to the U.S. at eighteen years old.

“All of us come here looking for a better life, a dream, and it’s terrible to be treated like possible criminals,” she tells Billboard. “In my family, many who came without papers have gone on to become doctors, attorneys, even mayors of their towns. This is an issue of humanity, not politics.”

In tandem with the song’s release, La Mala has launched a Facebook fundraising campaign called “Corazon Valiente” to raise money for the RAICES Foundation, a nonprofit providing legal services to immigrant children, families and refugees.

The song, produced by Brant and Ezequiel “Cheche” Alara, has been released on Roc Nation.

Gaby Moreno Joins Voices with Van Dyke Parks to Cover David Rudder’s “The Immigrants” for Charity

Gaby Moreno is lending her voice to the fight for immigrant rights…

The 36-year-old Guatemalan singer-songwriter and guitarist and Grammy winner has joined voices with iconic musician Van Dyke Parks to reimagine the classic David Rudder song “The Immigrants” in the name of charity.

Gaby Moreno

“I am a Guatemalan immigrant,” Moreno said in a statement. “This country welcomed me 18 years ago. It breaks my heart to see the events taking place at the border right now. We all deserve to be treated with respect and dignity and to be received into this country with more love and empathy.”

Parks echoes those sentiments, saying the new version of the song originally released 20 years ago “has a political punch, while also being joyful and underscoring how our culture is refreshed by immigrants like Gaby, and how those who arrive here can really redefine, and help build America.”

Rudder, a Trinidadian Calypso recording artist, wrote the song in response to an attack on Haitian immigrant Abner Louima by New York police officers.

The song can be heard on major streaming platforms and is available for purchase.

Funds will be provided to CARECEN, a nonprofit organization that promotes cultural diversity and works for social and economic justice.

Chita Rivera to Perform at the “Concert For America” Benefit

Chita Rivera is doing her part to help families on the border…

The 85-year-old half-Puerto Rican Broadway sensation will perform in the Concert For America, which will take place on June 30.

Chita Rivera

Rivera, the first Hispanic woman and the first Latino AmericanKennedy Center Honors recipient,will join a list of participants that includesTina Fey, Idina Menzel, Audra McDonaldMandy Gonzalez and more.

Hosted by Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley of SiriusXM, the benefit consisting of music, comedy and commentary will take place in New York’s Great Hall at The Cooper Union.

Rudetsky said in a statement, “James and I have been increasingly horrified at what’s going on with these families struggling at the border.” He added that the scheduled Concert For America will coincide with the coming day of national protests, and will benefit the non-profits working with families at the southern border.

General Admission tickets are $25, and limited VIP seats are $250, with proceeds going to Al Otro Lado, Texas Civil Rights Project, ACLU Foundation of Texas and Florence Project, all groups working to protect the civil and human rights of families on the border. Tickets can be purchased here.

The event will livestream on Facebook and at ConcertsforAmerica.com, beginning at 5:00 pm, ET on Saturday, June 30.

Bad Bunny Donates $100,000 to SER in His Native Puerto Rico

Bad Bunny is giving back…

The 24-year-old Puerto Rican Latin trap and reggaeton singer, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, donated $100,000 to SER in Puerto Rico to help children with muscle deficiency in his home country.

Bad Bunny

According to local newspapers, the “Chambea” singer is vacationing on the island and took a few hours off to participate in a local telethon, an event he’s watched since he was little. He wanted to spend time with the children.

“I only act from my heart,” Bad Bunny said in a video published by SER on Instagram. “I’m just being me.

Bad Bunny’s contribution was added to the final amount of $1.7 million.

Fergie Among Artists Donating Autographed Items for Charity Auction to Benefit Girls Rock Camp Alliance

Here’s your chance to walk in Fergie’s shoes… And all for a good cause.

The 43-year-old part-Mexican singer and Black Eyed Peas member is among the women donating their gear to be auctioned off on online marketplace Reverb.

Fergie

The proceeds from the auction will benefit the non-profit Girls Rock Camp Alliance, which works to provide summer camps and education opportunities for female, transgender and gender non-binary youth.

Fergie is donating an autographed pair of Fergie Footwear Black Prestons, beautiful studded mule shoes in a Womens 9.

Other artists donating their gear and memorabilia include Lady Gaga, Dolly Parton, Paramore‘s Hayley Williams and Kacey Musgraves.

The auction begins on May 10.

All information about the auction can be found on Reverb’s website.

Pitbull to Visit the United Nations to Speak on the Global Water Crisis

Pitbull is headed to the United Nations

The 37-year-old Grammy-winning rapper is heading to the intergovernmental organization’s offices to discuss the global water crisis on World Water Day.

Pitbull

The organization Clean Water Here announced that the international pop star will be named Clean Water Here Ambassador on March 22, when he visits the U.N. in New York City.

Pitbull also will receive the 2018 World Water Champion Award for his global humanitarian efforts. He is leading the celebrity-driven social media campaign dubbed “Clean Water Here Cause Flash,” in hopes of raising awareness of the water crisis. Other participants include Bruno Mars, Pink, Maroon 5, Demi Lovato, Monica and Juanes.

On March 22, U.N. General Assembly President Miroslav Lajcak will launch a 10-year plan focused on sustainable development of water resources.

Lin Manuel Miranda Named to DoSomething.org’s Annual Celebs Gone Good List

Lin Manuel Miranda has gone good

DoSomething.org has released its annual Celebs Gone Good list for 2017, with the 37-year-old Puerto Rican Tony Award-winning Broadway star and Hamilton musical creator making the grade.

Lin Manuel Miranda

The list recognizes celebrities who used their impact to affect social change in the world, as these celebs helped raise awareness for causes such as mental health, education, gun violence, LGBTQ, sexual assault, hurricane/disaster relief and the water crisis in Flint, Michigan.

Miranda, who comes in at No. 12, partnered with a nonprofit, and in November, announced a $2.5 million hurricane recovery fund to help the victims of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico.

But Miranda isn’t the only Latino/a celebrity to make the list.

Fifth Harmony member Lauren Jauregui comes in at No. 13.

The 21-year-old Cuban American singer has been vocal about women’s rights, and has donated to charitable groups including Chime for Change, ACLU, UNICEF, Planned Parenthood and more.

Jennifer Lopez, who appears on Miranda’s Puerto Rico hurricane relief single, comes in at No. 14.

The 48-year-old Puerto Rican superstar had been vocal about helping the victims of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, and in September, she put her money where her mouth is. The singer and actress announced at a press conference with New York Governor Andrew Cuomo that she would donate $1 million to help Puerto Rico rebuild.

Demi Lovato comes in at No. 16.

The 25-year-old part-Mexican American singer/actress continued her mental health advocacy work this year, which has also earned her the Artistic Award of courage. She also celebrated five years of sobriety by donating thousands to charity, including $5,000 to Ace of Hearts, an animal rescue group.

Bruno Mars ranks No. 20.

The 32-year-old part-Puerto Rican singer donated $1 million from his sold-out Michigan concert in August to help those who have been impacted by the city of Flint’s water crisis. “Ongoing challenges remain years later for Flint residents, and it’s important that we don’t forget our brothers and sisters affected by this disaster,” he said in a statement. “As people, especially as Americans, we need to stand together to make sure something like this never happens in any community ever again.”

The organization also selected eight Celebs to Watch in 2018, featuring young talent who give back, including Riverdale star Camila Mendes.

View the 2017 Celebs Gone Good rankings below:

  1. Chance the Rapper
  2. Colin Kaepernick
  3. Ariana Grande
  4. Rihanna
  5. Beyoncé
  6. JJ Watt
  7. Kesha
  8. Yara Shahidi
  9. Zendaya
  10. Bethenny Frankel
  11. Nicki Minaj
  12. Lin Manuel Miranda
  13. Lauren Jauregui
  14. Jennifer Lopez
  15. Shawn Mendes
  16. Demi Lovato
  17. Ava DuVernay
  18. John Legend & Chrissy Teigen
  19. Miley Cyrus
  20. Bruno Mars

Celebs to Watch in 2018

  1. Jacob Sartorius
  2. Skai Jackson
  3. Halima Aden
  4. Camila Mendes
  5. Chloe and Halle
  6. Cameron Boyce
  7. Rowan Blanchard
  8. Kiersey Clemons

Emmanuel Lubezki Partners with Kind for “No More Deaths” Campaign

Emmanuel Lubezki is using his talents to spread a message of empathy…

The 53-year-old Mexican cinematographer, a three-time Academy Award winner, has partnered with Kind to produce a video for the granola bar company’s new campaign.

Emmanuel Lubezki

Lubezki, of Birdman, Gravity and The Revenant fame, personally interprets the difference between nice and kind through the eyes of volunteers from No More Deaths.

Diverting the focus from the many militia groups on the Mexico-US border, Lubezki’s short, More Than Nice, follows volunteers from the humanitarian group as they walk through the Sonoran Desert leaving jugs of water for migrants attempting to cross.

Their objective is not to encourage nor deter people from crossing, but simply to save lives. Although seemingly small, the group’s actions make a real difference for those in desperate situations facing harsh natural conditions.

“I was struck not just by the incredible courage but also by the tremendous empathy that these volunteers had, going out of their way to protect the well-being of fellow human beings they may never meet,” said Lubezki for Kind’s website.

The issue hits home not only for Lubezki, but also for KIND CEO Daniel Lubetzky – both are Jewish-Mexican immigrants who have used their respective platforms to connect people, expand understanding and strengthen communities.

To learn more about No More Deaths visit: www.nomoredeaths.org KIND is inviting people to share their own take on the difference between nice and kind by submitting a written essay, photo or video.

A panel of judges, made up of entrepreneurs, creatives, journalists and activists will select three winners who will receive $25,000 to donate to the charity of their choice, along with resources, including cash prizes and photography/videography gear to help fund their next creative project.

Kany Garcia & Fellow Latin Artists Help Raise Money for Puerto Rico with Banco Popular’s annual Christmastime album “Nuestra Isla, Nuestro Encanto”

It looks like Kany Garcia and Ozuna are giving Puerto Ricans a Christmas to remember… 

Banco Popular’s annual Christmastime album Nuestra Isla, Nuestro Encanto, featuring the 36-year-old Puerto Rican singer-songwriter and the 25-year-old Puerto Rican reggaeton and Latin trap singer surges up Billboard’s Top Latin Albums (45-5) and Tropical Albums (9-2) charts.

Kany Garcia

The album has registered 3,000 equivalent album units earned (up 350 percent) — nearly all from traditional album sales.

The set (which was also released as a separate DVD) celebrates the many festivals, carnivals and events throughout Puerto Rico, and was produced over the last year.

The album includes many guest stars, including Diana Fuentes, Garcia, Vicente Garcia, Ozuna, Rey Ruiz and Olga Tañon.

Some of the proceeds from the sales of the album and DVD will support the Embracing Puerto Rico relief effort, supporting communities affected by Hurricane Maria.

Last year’s Banco popular album, Du Puerto Rico Para El Mundo, spent three weeks at No. 1 on both the Top Latin Albums and Latin Pop Albums charts.

Marc Anthony’s Somos Una Voz Providing $6 Million in Humanitarian Relief to Puerto Rico

Marc Anthony is bringing relief to his beloved Puerto Rica…

The 49-year-old Puerto Rican singer’s philanthropic alliance of artists and athletes Somos Una Voz has announced plans to provide humanitarian relief directly to the communities of Morovis, Loiza and Fajardo in the hurricane-ravaged island of Puerto Rico.

Marc Anthony

Somos Una Voz has funded programs in each of these districts administered by local charities, including Yo No Me Quito, Fundación Extra Bases and the Boys and Girls Club of Puerto Rico.

Recovery assistance will include delivering children’s clothes and school supplies, water filters, medical equipment and generators to families with extreme medical needs. Recipients to absorb these contributions include children, their families, elderly care centers, doctor’s offices and schools still unable to operate due to lack of power.

Courtesy of Children’s Health Fund (CHF), Somos Una Voz will be introducing mobile pediatric clinics that provide year-round, self-contained and state-of-the-art medical care and health education to said municipalities starting in January. The long-term recovery strategy aims to improve access to high-quality pediatric and family health care in hard-hit and underserved communities.

The Somos + Salud program will provide the following:

– Diagnosis and treatment of acute conditions
– Management of chronic conditions
– Referrals to specialist, as needed and as feasible
– Preventive interventions (e.g., routine childhood vaccinations) and anticipatory guidance
– Provision of – or referral to – mental health, eye care and dental care, as needed.
– Ancillary services, including nutrition, immunizations, and specialty referrals will be available.

Following the Somos Uno! benefit concert back in October, this year’s efforts will culminate in a special event on Sunday at Barrio San Lorenzo in Morovis, during which Fundación Extra Bases will utilize part of the Somos Una Voz funds (an overall contribution of $6 million, according to Billboard) to distribute clothing, shoes, personal products, school supplies and toys to families. Health information and evaluation will be available on site, and children will have the opportunity to participate in a science educational event with EcoExploratorio.