Jay Z Honored by The United Nations
Brooklyn Rapper Receives Humanitarian Award at Exclusive Event
Oct 3, 2008
Born and raised in Brooklyn, NYC, Shawn Carter understands what struggle is. Now as he is more commonly known to the world, Jay Z, has during his tenure as a multi-platinum selling artist, label executive and super mogul always set standards. As the first Hip-Hop act to headline The Glastonbury Festival this year, performing in front of an estimated 100,000 fans and selling over 50 million records worldwide, Jay Z is recognized by both fans and the music industry as one of the hardest working individuals in entertainment today.
His latest award however is not related in anyway to music or fashion, nor is it a testament to his business endeavors. On Wednesday October 1st at the lavish Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, Jay Z was awarded with a Global Leadership Award by the United Nations. The award was presented to him for his work in Africa during 2006.
What he did: Jay Z and the United Nations with MTV
Teaming up with the United Nations and music channel MTV Jay Z embarked on his mission to help the UN with their Water for Life Campaign. It was while watching how hard it was for families to receive an amenity that the western world takes for granted that Jay Z opted to get involved with the UN’s project. The rapper went to Africa and set about bringing clean water to the poor and starving in countries such as Angola.
MTV Involvement in Water for Life
As Jay Z campaigned for and promoted the Water for Life project, MTV followed the rapper as he instigated more interest in what needs to be done in countries that have very few resources. The documentary, The Diary of Jay Z in Africa; Water for Life, aired on MTV showing the creation of 1,000 water pumps which would supply fresh water to various African communities. "Many charities, you close your eyes and cross your fingers and hope that the money gets to the people who really deserve it,” he told People.com "But with this, I got to go to Africa, see the water pumps. I got to see the kids turn them on."
Jay Z: Reaction to the Award
Attending the presentation ceremony without his wife, R&B singing sensation Beyonce, a humbled Jay Z amused the crowd at the event with his acceptance speech but urged people to continue the work providing water for those less fortunate than ourselves. “If you bring awareness to young people, they’re going to see and want to be involved,” Jay-Z stated. “I’m not a politician; I’m just a regular person with a heart. If you see a problem like that and do nothing about it, there’s something wrong with you.”
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