This article is more than 9 years old. See today’s top stories here.

8 Powerful Moments From Ryan Coogler's #JusticeForFlint Event

Flint lives matter.
Blackout For Human Rights

The most important star-studded event taking place Sunday night wasn't the Oscars -- it was director Ryan Coogler's #JusticeForFlint charity concert. The event, which was held at the Whiting Auditorium in Flint, Michigan, helped to raise tens of thousands of dollars for residents affected by the Flint water crisis, and provided them with "a night of fun, relaxation, and entertainment."

Below are just a few of the stand out moments from the show:

1. Host Hannibal Burress's jokes were funny but also so real.

"Water in Flint should be free forever." I know @hannibalburess was joking but it should be. Residents need reperations #JusticeForFlint

— Taryn Finley (@_TARYNitUP) February 28, 2016

2. Flint youth poets' performed a powerful poem about the crisis in their city.

Flint youth poets show their talents through spoken word and tap dance. They. shut. things down. #JusticeForFlint pic.twitter.com/8iSOq0a5Hg

— HuffPost BlackVoices (@blackvoices) February 29, 2016

3. Ledisi sang Sam Cooke's 'A Change Is Gonna Come,' and brought these lyrics to life:

"Life can bring us through many changes it's alright // Just don't give up know that it's gonna be alright" SING, @Ledisi! #JusticeForFlint

— HuffPost BlackVoices (@blackvoices) February 28, 2016

4. A Flint mother shared her painful story of a miscarriage due to the water crisis.

One of these poets was pregnant w twins & lost them. A direct result of lead poisoning. She's here, now. Overstand that. #JUSTICEFORFLINT

— jesseWilliams. (@iJesseWilliams) February 29, 2016

5. Jazmine Sullivan performed an amazing mini-set, in which she sang her first single, "Need You Bad."

Jazmine got more runs than cheap pantyhose. Whew! #JusticeForFlint

— ᴋᴀʀsʜ (@karsh) February 29, 2016

6. Brothers Isaiah, Jeremiah, Demetrius, and Elijah Lauren shared their personal stories dealing with lead poisoning from the water in Flint.

Revlot

...they've got headaches, memory loss, abdominal pains. One brother was an A student before the poisoning. #JusticeForFlint

— Edana Walker (@RedSaid) February 29, 2016

7. Janelle Monae made a powerful entrance by arriving in a straight jacket for her performance.

The incredible @JanelleMonae about to take the stage to close out #JusticeForFlint. pic.twitter.com/e0LtGLh91w

— Michael Skolnik (@MichaelSkolnik) February 29, 2016

8. And Stevie Wonder's surprise performance was the best way to close out the show.

Revolt

Stevie in the building!!!! #JusticeForFlint pic.twitter.com/imO1ju5jeO

— AndSheCooks (@shoey3309) February 29, 2016
Close

What's Hot