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Missy Elliot has marked the first anniversary of "Missy Elliot Day" by paying rent for struggling families.
The rap and hip hop superstar - who has her own special holiday on October 17 in her home state of Virginia - made a $50,000 donation to a housing organisation, covering overdue bills for 26 families. She appeared at the Dr. O. Marriner Family Life Centre at Grove Church last week and presented the local Redevelopment and Housing Authority with the generous check.
"Instead of it being a celebration of Missy Elliot, you know, about me, I wanted to give back and let that be the celebration of Missy Elliot, just to show that I love everybody out here," she said, as per The Virginian-Pilot who covered the event.
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According to the publication, the Grammy-winning artist credited her mother, Patricia Elliot, with not only instilling in her values of kindness, but also a love for her home town:
"Just know that P-town is with me no matter where I go. I love my city. I love my state. I love everything about it. Everything about Missy comes from here - the hospitality, the humility, the confidence - if you mess with me, it's a problem. We sweet, but don't try us."
In addition to creating Missy Elliot Day last year, the state of Virginia also renamed a street after the rap artist - McLean Street in Portsmouth is now known as Missy Elliot Boulevard.
"I been through MANY ups and down," she posted on X, sharing photos of herself visiting the Boulevard on her special day. "But it's nothing like having FAITH! God I thank you for FAVOUR. If anybody feel like quitting, NO just hang in there. Your BLESSING may be coming sooner than you think! Just keep PUSHING even through tough times."
(Feature Image Credit: Prince Williams/WireImage via Getty Images)
