Beyonce and Young Thug are among the stars bringing awareness to the plight of African families and students who have been left stranded in Ukraine.
Since President Vladimir Putin began Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last week, reports have mounted of Black people being left behind at the border and allegedly blocked from travelling to safer territory.
Video clips of African and Caribbean migrants stranded at train stations have become widespread on social media, while many have shared their accounts of being subjected to racial abuse.
Offering to help those desperately in need, US rapper Young Thug – real name Jeffrey Lamar Williams – wrote in his Instagram stories last night: ‘If some of my rap brothers are in I’m willing to help Africans get out of Ukraine however I can sense [sic] they not letting us pass.
Who ever [sic] holds the info for these movements please contact me ASAP I’m ready.’
The Lifestyle rapper received a response from private jet entrepreneur PJ Kev, who wrote: ‘I’m wit you my brother. Anything I can do. Reach out Asap.’
Young Thug also received support from rapper Strick, who wrote: ‘This needs to be Shared more! I’m with you slime ! Proud of you my brother. Always been a true leader.’
Beyonce’s charitable foundation BeyGood addressed the devastating reports of Black people being mistreated at the border, with a tweet shared on its Twitter account, stating: ‘We are saddened by the news of African and other international students being denied at the border as they attempt to leave Ukraine.
‘We are hopeful that the various embassies could swiftly rectify the situation to help those in need of support.’
One Nigerian student claimed on Twitter: ‘We are currently at the Ukraine -Poland border. Their Police and Army refused to let Africans cross they only allow Ukrainian.
Some have slept here for 2 days under this scorching cold weather, while many have gone back to Lviv.’
One man named Osarumen, a Nigerian father-of-three, claimed he was forced to disembark a bus after being told ‘no Blacks’.
Speaking to The Independent, he explained: ‘I cannot imagine a scenario where white Ukranians would ever be denied asylum so how they’re treating us is unwarranted. It’s baseless. We are all escaping so let’s push a common thread.’
Two women from the UK, with a third in Ukraine, have raised over £20,000 to support African and Caribbean students currently stranded in the country.
Olalekan Ajimoti – Blogger, Content Writer, and Digital Marketer helping brands and retailers build 8-figure e-commerce since 2016.
As a corporate trainer, brand communications expert, and brand consultant, I help people start, stay and grow in business leveraging digital skills and traditional expertise.
