Macklemore Wants to Save Seattle's River

ABC/Lou Rocco(NEW YORK) — Macklemore is an advocate for human rights, but he’s an environmentalist as well. He’s joined the fight to clean up the Duwamish River, the only river that runs through his hometown of Seattle, Washington.

On his website Macklemore, born Ben Haggerty, writes about how over the years, the river has become contaminated with toxic levels of waste, making it one of the most polluted and the most dangerous in the U.S.  He adds that the life expectancy for those who live in the neighborhood nearest the river is eight years less than that of Seattle overall, and 13 years less than those who live in the city’s most affluent areas.

“I believe that it is our responsibility as members of Seattle to clean and restore this river back to health, and to make sure that ALL children can grow up and have access to a clean and safe environment,” he writes. “To ensure that the salmon they eat will act as nourishment and not lead to disease.”

The rapper adds, “We are Seattle.  No bridge, boundaries or invisible man-made lines divide us.  This is our home, our people and our community. This is our city’s only river, and I want to do my part to make sure that it’s safe for all that reside here. I stand in solidarity with community leaders and families who have organized for years to right this injustice.”

Ben’s also seen posing front and center on a website called RiverForAll.org, which is working to raise awareness of the problem.

To get fans excited about helping the cause, Macklemore is offering a cool prize: Instagram a photo of yourself and tag it with #riverforall and  @duwamishcleanup, and you’ll be entered into a drawing to win a kayaking trip on the river with the rapper himself.


Copyright 2014 ABC News Radio

staticsocialfacebookpr1200x630ironmaiden2024regionalmodacenter1014-0ff3a5d9-4f55-4498-a398-e4c76d0af8e8

Iron Maiden Live in Portland at The Moda Center

Don’t miss the most explosive live spectacular ever as Iron Maiden brings their legendary British heavy metal sound to The Moda Center on The Future Past Tour! Get ready for an unforgettable night filled with pyro, lights,

static_digital_928x288_korn_2024_regional_modacenter_1008

KORN with Gojira, Spiritbox

Get ready for an epic night of rock as KORN takes the Moda Center on October 8th! Joining them will be special guests Gojira and Spiritbox for a night of high-energy that you won’t want to miss.

1972bd2c-ec92-4f33-80b9-ed51276b7445

Snotty Nose Rez Kids – Hot Planet Tour

Snotty Nose Rez Kids – Snotty Nose Rez Kids tore into the music scene with unmistakeable talent and an unforgettable name. Showing off their lyrical prowess and natural storytelling ability, Yung Trybez and Young D jumpstarted the