Metallica, renowned for their impactful contributions beyond music, continues to demonstrate their commitment to philanthropy through their charity foundation, All Within My Hands. Recently, they made headlines for their generous support of workforce education, assisting individuals like Carmen DeBerry, a new commercial delivery driver from Baltimore, Maryland.
Impact of the Metallica Scholarship
Carmen DeBerry’s life transformed significantly after she received a Metallica Scholarship. This initiative is part of All Within My Hands, which has allocated over $10 million to workforce education through grants to trade schools and community colleges. DeBerry expressed her gratitude, stating, “It feels awesome. I take care of my daughter and my mother,” emphasizing the scholarship’s pivotal role in her new career.
James Hetfield’s Perspective
Lead singer James Hetfield reflected on the importance of supporting blue-collar workers. He noted, “Not everyone is built for college, and not everyone needs college.” His background as the son of a truck driver informs his views on the essential roles trade professionals play in society.
Metallica’s Charitable Roots
Metallica’s philanthropic journey began with addressing food insecurity by donating leftover food from concerts to local food banks. Over time, their efforts expanded to include disaster relief following events such as the Northern California fires in 2017. Guitarist Kirk Hammett explained that the band’s proactive approach stems from their commitment to contribute meaningfully when disaster strikes.
Annual Fundraising and Community Engagement
- Last year, Metallica’s fundraising concert raised $3.5 million.
- These efforts attracted support from fans and celebrities, including actor Jason Momoa.
- The charity aims to bring joy and hope to communities through various initiatives.
Drummer Lars Ulrich emphasized the band’s instinct to help, saying, “Humans are herd animals and thrive when everyone is doing well.” This sentiment drives their ongoing support for local communities and charitable causes.
Connecting with Scholars
Hetfield recently had the opportunity to meet Carmen DeBerry backstage, where she expressed how the Metallica Scholarship significantly impacted her job prospects. DeBerry acknowledged, “Once I told them that I got the Metallica scholarship, they were like, ‘Whaaaat?’ They took a chance on me, and I appreciate it.”
The interaction highlighted the personal effect of Metallica’s charity work. Hetfield conveyed the fulfillment of connecting with someone whose life has changed due to their foundation. “To create a foundation that’s giving back to blue-collar America is so amazing,” he shared.
Future Initiatives
This Giving Tuesday, Metallica’s foundation is partnering with Carhartt to provide five million meals through Feeding America. Their commitment to philanthropy invites more individuals to join in supporting communities in need.
For additional details regarding their initiatives or to contribute, visit All Within My Hands’ official website.
