In a meeting earlier today, official councilors of Manchester, England unanimously voted to declare singer Ariana Grande as their first honorary citizen.
Earlier this year on May 22, Grande and concert goers were victims of a terrorist attack that took 22 lives and injured 59 attendees. The pop star returned to the city two weeks later to host and perform an amazing, star-studded charity concert titled One Love Manchester.
According to Variety, the benefit concert raised $2.6 million, contributing to the whopping $13 million raised in total for the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund.
According to BBC, Manchester City Council leader Sir Richard Leese spoke about how they obviously would have understood if Grande never returned again.
But no — instead she, as an artist, a performer, was determined that she would not perform again until she had returned to Manchester to perform… In doing so, she brought comfort to thousands, she raised millions for the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund and became the first patron of that fund… And that’s why I propose that Ariana Grande is made the first honorary citizen of the city of Manchester.
– Sir Richard Leese
Grande has released her cover of Over the Rainbow as a charity single, as well as re-releasing an older hit of hers, One Last Time. Both singles will benefit the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund which will provide support to the victims and their families.
Ariana Grande’s bravery shined a light on the city of Manchester and inspired to those who hardly had any hope left. The strength and unity of all 50,000 concert goers at the concert is proof that love is alive even in the face of disaster.
If you’d like to help out, check out the following links:
