As if we need another reason to adore Lin-Manuel Miranda. The man who gave the world Hamilton (those who could get tickets, which was not yours truly) is once again stepping up to the plate to aid the people of Puerto Rico, still feeling the effects of Hurricane Maria.
Back in November, the 38-year-old actor/playwright/force of nature announced that he was bringing Hamilton to Puerto Rico for a three-week run, with all of the profits going to help those affected by the devastating storm. This past weekend, Lin-Manuel announced the establishment of a multi-million dollar fund to help promote the arts in the US territory. He expressed that the goal of the Flamboyan Arts Fund, “wasn’t just artistic satisfaction, but how can we leave Puerto Rico a little better than we found it.”
While making his way to Puerto Rico, Lin-Manuel tweeted about the announcement, acknowledging that there’s “No shortage of bad news. But also no shortage of ways to do some good.” He also shared that “Artists entertain, inspire, heal, give voice to the voiceless, call out injustice, and keep us in touch with our humanity. So we’re gonna have their backs.”
A Sunday tweet
From 35,000 feet pic.twitter.com/P0PW5RakEQ— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) July 22, 2018
The first five beneficiaries of the funds include a dance school and a theater, and Lin-Manuel hopes to raise $15 million in the next few years. He passionately expressed the importance of raising these fundsL
“As someone whose life has been transformed by the power of the arts, and who has witnessed the incredible healing, growth, stability, and well-being that cultural institutions can bring to local communities, I cannot stand idly by and watch Puerto Rico’s arts and culture scene suffer.”
As for Hamilton’s upcoming run in Puerto Rico, which kicks off in January, Lin-Manuel said he’d like to bring the cast on tour through the US mainland. He also joked that he’s still has some work to do. “I still have to memorize my lines.”
He’s amazing, isn’t he? Not only is he promoting the arts, he’s helping out people who desperately need his help. He deserves all of the love and accolades.
Photos: WENN, Getty, Instagram
He’s such an incredible man. It’s nice to know that there some nice people in this world who want to help others.
I admire him so much! A true role model and leader. I can’t put into words how I feel about the irreparable harm done by the government’s abandonment of beautiful Puerto Rico.
I love him so much. He just seems so……NICE. Like despite all the success, and the fame….he seems so down to earth and nice. And he has such an appreciation for his roots and where he came from and wants to help others get where he is. He just comes across as so genuine.
I’m a bit of a fan, haha. so I clearly think this is awesome.
He even makes people happy with his Twitter feed. He uses his fame for good and is truly a decent man.
@Nic919 his twitter feed is so positive. The few times he’s angry on it, he’s even angry in a positive way, lol.
I love him too and feel the same – where many people would take that fame and success and go the spoiled star route, he has stayed incredibly grounded and used it to do good. So much good.
He’s an amazing role model. My children are half Puerto Rican and I’m so glad that he is there for our family as a role model. He also reminds me a lot of my husband so.. swoon. Lol.
My mother in law is headed home to San Sebastián, Puerto Rico in a few weeks for a long visit there. I am so glad to hear from her extended relatives that they are living a more normal life again, finally, after over a year. But higher elevations still suffer greatly with STILL no elevtricty and STILL the only water they have coming in on trucks. There is so much recovery needed still. The cost of gas prevents people from getting to work, that’s a big issue right now on the island.
I am sure she will come home with a lot to tell about what’s still going in Puerto Rico.
It’s been 306 days since Puerto Rico has been with full power. All the MAGAlomaniac had to offer in lieu of actual help was paper towels – and the lame excuse that PR is surrounded by big water. Many US citizens still don’t know that Puerto Ricans are citizens too, just because quite a few of them have brown skin and speak another language.
So kudos and bravo to LMM for making sure the people of PR get a little help in making their islands a little brighter again.
He’s a good man, someone who perhaps is famous for a higher purpose.
What a lovely cause! I’m so glad to see celebrities continuing to help out more than a year later. It feels like politicians and the media forget about places like Flint and PR too quickly.
I am an arts educator in California. I am so deeply moved by this. If only more wealthy celebrities would support the arts in their home regions.