Jeannie Maiand Jeezy are using their upcoming wedding as a way to supportStop Asian Hate, a nonprofit organization that tracks incidents of discrimination, hate and xenophobia against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States, as well as provides funds across Asian-owned businesses and foundations.
The Asian communities in the U.S. and around the world have facedescalated discrimination and violenceduring the past year, a troubling development that hits close to home for the interracial couple. (Mai is of Vietnamese and Chinese descent, and Jeezy is Black.) ThroughThe Knot Registry, the pair launched acharity wedding registrywith the goal of raising $50,000 that will be distributed to verified fundraisers supporting the AAPI community.
“What bonded Jeezy and I most is our passion to serve and take care of our communities,” theRealco-host, 42, told The Knot. “We will spend the rest of our lives continuing to stand up against injustice, racism and hate.”
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She continued, “It’s not just the recent events that make me mindful about our distinct culture. For Jeezy, everything — from his upbringing, experiences, struggles and his position in this white-centric country — is a learning curve for me; and, vice versa. Part of the foundation of our love is constantly discovering our respective identities and gaining an understanding from our experiences.”
On their registry’sGoFundMe page, the soon-to-be-married stars encourage fans to join in and support the cause.
“The foundation of our relationship is based on a constant discovery of our respective experiences and individual identities,” they wrote. “We want our wedding guests and loved ones to not only feel a connection to our unique backgrounds, but also to give back to a cause that is near and dear to our hearts as individuals and, together, as a couple.”
Jeezy and Jeannie Mai.Courtesy Jeannie Mai
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TheDancing with the Starsalum and the “Soul Survivor” rapper, 43, began quietly dating in 2018 after meeting on set ofThe Real. Nearly one week afterPEOPLE confirmed their romancein August 2019, the twosomewent Instagram official. Theygot engagedlast March.
PEOPLE confirmed on Wednesday that Mai and Jeezy hadapplied to obtain a marriage licensewith the Fulton County Court Clerk in Georgia. The document would expire six months after being issued.
Among the qualities Mai treasures most about Jeezy are his leadership abilities.
If you’ve been attacked or have witnessed an attack, please contact your local authorities. You can also report your incidenthere. To learn more and to report crimes, go to:Asian Americans Advancing Justice,Stop the AAPI Hate,National Council of Asian Pacific Americans,Asian Americans Advancing Justice-LA, andAsian Pacific Policy & Planning Council.
source: people.com
