Here’s something you don’t see everyday: An ‘A’ list celebrity, putting his money where his mouth is.
When you add in that he is a white, international superstar using his money and influence to bring aid to black people, it is certainly something to applaud.
Actor Brad Pitt’s pledge to rebuild the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans is much more note-worthy than his slew of kids or his most recent movie, which if you paid $8 to see it, you may have helped someone who lost everything.
Pitt has donated $5 million to build 150 homes. But each home will cost $150,000. Therefore, Pitt is asking for donations. With such high-profile friends as George Clooney and Julia Roberts, and with a girlfriend who is a United Nations Ambassador, it is likely the actor will find the needed support.
He said he wants his project to be a success, therefore the cause is even more important to him right now than acting.
Pitt created a new foundation: “Make It Right,” which has partnered with a number of architects and will meet two goals at once: In addition to aiding Hurricane Katrina victims by providing affordable housing, the homes will also be eco-friendly.
The homes support the green movement, but their is another color for Pitt’s campaign.
To draw attention to the cause, pink art structures have been installed as placeholders for the construction site.
If this is what it takes to help save a city that the government has not rebuilt after two years, we say, get it done by any means necessary.
Driadonna Roland for the Editorial Board.