Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter has established an educational trust for the for the children of Sean Bell, the unarmed African-American man who was shot and killed by police on the day he was to be married.
According to AllHiphop.com, Jay-Z is working closely with Nicole Paultre Bell, Sean Bell's widow, to institute the trust funds for both of their children.
Nicole Bell appeared prominently in Jay-Z’s Rocawear "I Will Not Lose" advertising campaign with images that caused indignation within the NYPD's Benevolent Association.
The process began prior to the not guilty verdict for three police officers accused of slaying Sean Bell.
A well-informed source close to the matter told AllHipHop.com that Nicole Bell’s lawyers didn’t want to initiate any activity during the trial.
Typically, a trust fund is regarded as a long-term, profitable program that can provide significant monies that vest when a child becomes an adult or graduates from college.
They can also become available at a designated point in the future. Trusts, educational or otherwise, are generally set up in the child's name, by their parents or others close to the child.
Now that the trial is over, Jay-Z will resume his efforts for the children of Sean Bell in the form of a stock-based trust fund.
Judge Arthur Cooperman acquitted NYPD officers Mike Oliver (who fired 31 shots at Bell), Gescard Isnora (11 shots) and Michael Cooper (four shots) in a case that has instilled nationwide outrage in Bell’s supporters.
Two other men were shot in the shooting, where the police were charged with manslaughter, assault and reckless endangerment.
In the aftermath of the Sean Bell verdict, the Hip-Hop nation has responded en mass with songs, statements and protests.
Those that disagree with the verdict include The Game, David Banner, Swizz Beatz, Talib Kweli, Styles P, Jadakiss, Mos Def, and countless others.