Khalid announced a benefit concert in El Paso on Sunday, Sept. 1 in response to the mass shooting at a Walmart that killed 22 people and largely impacted the community of El Paso.
“A Night for Sun City” is set to take place at the UTEP Don Haskins Center under the Great Khalid Foundation and the Right Hand Foundation.
The mass shooting that took place Aug. 3, 2019, at the Cielo Vista Walmart left the community of El Paso in shock and agony after a man shot and killed 22 people and injured another 24.
The community immediately gathered for public vigils throughout the city and long lines formed outside of the United Blood Services for blood donations for the victims of the shooting.
“Over the past few days, my mind and heart have been heavy,” Khalid tweeted. “Hearing seeing an act of terrorism happen so close to home, my family and friends has been unbelievable and shocking.”
He later made an announcement on Twitter that he had been thinking of ways to help and support the city. “I’m planning for a benefit concert show later this month; all proceeds will go to the families affected by the shooting. Sending everyone my love and will keep you guys updated.”
Later that week, the artist announced “A Night for Sun City” benefit concert for El Paso.
“Love you guys,” Khalid tweeted.
Many fans were ecstatic and grateful to hear that the R&B artist announced this benefit concert which was followed by positive feedback.
“It is a relief to know I live in a city that everyone can call ‘home’ even after such crisis, everyone comes together closer than ever,” said UTEP senior Cristina Flores, who said would be attending the concert. “Khalid said it himself, he didn’t have a home until he came to El Paso. I want to thank him and everyone else supporting our amazing community.”
Tickets went on sale Aug. 14. and immediately sold out leaving some fans disappointed after not being able to get tickets for the show.
Khalid shared an alternative option for fans who were not able to get tickets but wanted to
donate through the purchase of a Khalid T-Shirt, proceeds of which will also be going to the victims of the El Paso shooting. Donations can be made online at shop.khalidofficial.com.
Khalid Robinson was born Feb. 11, 1998 in Fort Stewart, Georgia. The artist was raised by his single mother who worked in the military and therefore had to move frequently until they settled at Fort Bliss in El Paso, where his mother later retired.
Khalid attended Americas High School, where he began to write and record his own songs and upload them to his SoundCloud page during his senior year.
Although the young artist lived in El Paso for less than two years before he rose to fame, he proudly graduated from Americas High School in July 2016 and said it was in El Paso that he was “born creatively” under the influence and support from his friends and the community of the Sun City.
Mayor Dee Margo presented the artist with a Key to the City the day before his first two hometown shows at the Don Haskins Center, which both sold out in a matter of minutes. To this day, Khalid continues to represent and acknowledge his upcoming, love and awe for El Paso through his music as he strongly holds and continues to carry his hometown with him.
For information, visit thegreatkhalidfoundation.org
