As the state of Georgia continues to reopen non-essential businesses and restaurant dining services this and next week, Atlanta-born rapper and producer Ludacris and Mike WiLL Made-It have joined their respective foundations to donate masks to the city’s transportation workers.
On Wednesday (May 13), Atlanta’s mass transportation system MARTA announced that the two artists are working with local organization Atlanta Sewing Style to distribute 3,000 reusable and washable masks to MARTA employees over the next two weeks.
“We love our city and this is an opportunity to show how much we do when it matters most,” Ludacris said in a press release. “Before Coronavirus happened, we were representing MARTA because it’s a big part of what makes Atlanta special.”
According to MARTA’s online COVID-19 records, 38 of its employees have tested positive with the novel virus since March. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution also reports that one of those employees passed away from the disease.
The masks will be donated through Luda’s The Ludacris Foundation and Mike WiLL’s nonprofit, Making Wishes Matter. The two artists donated the necessary funds for sewing supplies to make the masks, which will be constructed by the Atlanta Sewing Style volunteers. Additional help was lent by the staff of Georgia sail-making company Lakeside Marine Canvas, who volunteered to help make the masks and also volunteered their own sewing equipment.
“On behalf of our hardworking employees, I’m grateful for this show of support,” MARTA CEO Jeffrey Parker added in the release. “Before this health crisis hit, MARTA had been building relationships with metro Atlanta’s entertainment community. Their thoughtful contributions are deeply appreciated. This gives us added confidence that we’ll get through this together.”
Besides the charitable offering, Ludacris is also expected to appear in this weekend’s anticipated Verzuz showdown alongside Nelly. The virtual battle is scheduled to take place on Instagram Live this Saturday (May 16), beginning at 7 pm EST. See the event’s official flyer below.