UNIVERSITY PARK, Pennsylvania — Nicki Minaj, born Onika Tanya Maraj, has had a hand in several philanthropic organizations around the world. Nicki Minaj’s global philanthropy ranges from the American Red Cross to organizations in India that work to provide clean drinking water to impoverished communities. She gained attention in 2017 for paying off the student loan debt of a few of her fans. That same year, it also came to light that Minaj has sent money to small villages in India through the pastor at her church in order to build freshwater wells.
Life In Its Poetic Form Christian Ministries Inc.
Minaj’s pastor, Lydia Woodson-Sloley, is the founder of Life In Its Poetic Form Christian Ministries Inc., based out of Brooklyn. Referred to as Apostle Lydia, she has spent the last 25 years serving and is known for her eccentric style of preaching.
Life In Its Poetic Form Christian Ministries Inc. has an international outreach center in India. While Woodson-Sloley focuses specifically on the well-being of women around the world, Minaj has also worked with the organization to produce clean water wells in the village of Athipattu, India, in addition to other programs to advance the education and efficiency of small Indian villages.
In an Instagram post in May 2017, Minaj explains that “[philanthropy]is the kind of thing that makes me feel most proud.” Minaj told audiences that over the last few years through her church, Woodson-Sloley has helped provide “a Computer Center, a Tailoring Institute, a Reading Program, and 2 WATER WELLS.” Helping Woodson-Sloley is one of Nicki Minaj’s global philanthropy efforts.
St. Jude’s Home for Girls in Trinidad
This was not the end of Minaj’s philanthropy. In February 2020, she donated more than $25,000 to the St. Jude’s Home for Girls in Trinidad. After paying a visit to her native country, she bestowed the generous monetary donation in addition to her decision to fund the construction of a recreational center.
She spent time in Trinidad over the winter and spoke to the girls at St. Jude’s about the importance of a career and positive relationships. She told the girls about the value of self-worth and that the right man will wait for them until they are ready and secure enough to begin a relationship, just like her own husband did.
Minaj spent much of her time speaking to the girls telling them to listen to her story and live their lives according to their dreams. She spoke to drug abuse, domestic violence, teenage pregnancy and abortion. She even discussed feeling the pressure to live up to her family’s expectations. After her talk, Minaj hosted an impromptu talent show, in which young girls sang hits such as “Halo” by Beyonce. She. then announced her donation of $25,000 to benefit the community.
Minaj has made a name for herself in the last decade in reference to both domestic and international philanthropy. Trinidad looks forward to the recreational center that will be popping up soon, and fans around the world are waiting to see where Nicki Minaj’s Global Philanthropy will take her next.
– Jessica Lyn
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
