Celebrity water crisis benefit raises $156,000 for Flint

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In this Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016 photo, Host Hannibal Buress speaks at the #JusticeForFlint event in Flint, Mich. The benefit for residents affected by the lead-contaminated water crisis in Flint featured some big names but is a grass-roots effort at its core, "Creed" director Ryan Coogler said Sunday. (Conor Ralph/The Flint Journal-MLive.com via AP) LOCAL TELEVISION OUT; LOCAL INTERNET OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT

FLINT, Mich. – A benefit for residents affected by lead-contaminated water in Flint has raised nearly $156,000.

Blackout for Human Right’s #JusticeForFlint said Tuesday about 2,000 people attended the event.

Filmmaker and founding Blackout member Ryan Coogler says more than 4,000 people sent in online donations. Coogler directed the film “Creed.”

Blackout is a collective that addresses human rights violations.

The fundraiser held Sunday — Oscar night — was attended by Coogler, director Ava DuVernay, singer Janelle Monae and other celebrities.

Flint, north of Detroit, was under state financial control in 2014 when it switched from Detroit’s water system to the Flint River to save money. Corrosive water from the river leached lead from old water lines into some home.

Tests have shown high lead levels in some Flint children.

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