RZA and Violife are making efforts to help Black-owned businesses
RZA is giving back to Black-owned businesses; specifically restaurants that experienced setbacks during the pandemic. The assistance the partnership is offering is in the form of a grant, called “plant grants,” which will be an excellent help to businesses in post-pandemic recovery. The best part is that the benefits extend beyond simple monetary aid. The underlying mission of this partnership is to bring healthier eating options to the African-American Community. RZA had this to say in a press statement:
“‘I’m proud to support “Plant Grants” to continue this movement and make plant-based eating more readily available at Black-owned restaurants that are at the heart of communities.”
Without a doubt, this is an effort to lift the entire community. As an added benefit, those who take advantage of this opportunity may find that this package includes even more robust offerings. Reportedly, the grant package also includes education and mentoring.
RZA has always been about elevating his community
RZA is a member and founder of the hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan. He is known for his ideologies and intellectual perspectives. For him, hip-hop was always more profound than music. He saw the pivotal role that his clan played in the culture. In a 2020 interview, when asked about Wu-Tang’s role and mission in the hip-hop community, RZA had this to say,
“Our goal is to spread hip-hop culture, our culture, art culture.”
The clan did that and more.
Now RZA is elevating his community in another way
RZA is an active proponent of healthier eating options. He has been a partaker in plant-based eating choices since the ’90s and he wants to share a little of what he has learned with his community. According to a source, he switched to this plant-based diet in the mid-1990s after realizing the ethical dilemmas in the animal food industry.
His partnership is one way of leaving his footprints for others to follow.
In conclusion, this grant is an excellent opportunity for those Black business owners needing a helping hand. Even better news: applications are now being accepted. So, hat’s off to RZA for demonstrating that elevation becomes an expectation when we extend a hand up.
If you are interested in RZA’s Wu-Tang Clan: An American Saga, check out our retrospective article.
Written by Renae Richardson