One of the perks of having a baby is getting lots of gifts to help you care for the little one. When Atlanta’s Lil Nas X announced his new arrival, however, he decided the presents should go to people who need them more.
The artist’s ‘baby,’ of course, is his new album, “Montero,” which he’ll deliver Sept. 17. Lil Nas X’s real name is Montero Lamar Hill.
Like many expectant parents, the Grammy winner arranged a photo shoot and set up a “baby registry.”
Instead of asking for an expensive stroller or the latest gadget, the artist lists numerous charities to which his fans can donate. Each charity is paired with a song from the 15 track album, including Compassionate Atlanta with “The Art of Realization.”
Compassionate Atlanta is a grassroots, community-building nonprofit that seeks to raise awareness about the benefits of compassionate action throughout the metro Atlanta area. “We do this by teaching and encouraging people of every persuasion and walk of life to channel their concern for the wellbeing of others into tangible action. The goal is to build healthier, more connected, abundant, and thriving communities,” its website states.
Active since 2015, Compassionate Atlanta was founded on the International Charter for Compassion, with the call to action to honor our common humanity. The movement engages local individuals, schools, businesses, organizations, congregations and cities around the idea of compassionate action.
The Compassionate Atlanta Planning Team was formed in 2013 and was instrumental in getting Atlanta designated as a “compassionate city.”
Atlanta City Council made the designation Feb. 3, 2014, and then-Mayor Kasim Reed approved it Feb. 12, 2014. In so doing, Atlanta became the second largest metropolitan area in the United States to become a compassionate city.
“A compassionate city is an uncomfortable city! A city that is uncomfortable when anyone is homeless or hungry. Uncomfortable if every child isn’t loved and given rich opportunities to grow and thrive. Uncomfortable when as a community we don’t treat our neighbors as we would wish to be treated,” said Karen Armstrong, founder of the Charter for Compassion.
In addition to Compassionate Atlanta, the charities on the registry are: Transinclusive Group, Ch-Pier, The Bail Project, Bros in Convo, Relationship Unleashed, Central Alabama Alliance Resource & Advocacy Center/OLTT, Samuel Dewitt Proctor Conference, Arianna Center, Thrive SS, What’s in the Mirror, Cade Foundation, The Counter Narrative, The Normal Anomaly, and Happy Hippie.
You can learn more about them and make a donation at www.welcometomontero.com/babyregistry.
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