PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Global superstar Missy Elliott continues to give back to her hometown city of Portsmouth, Virginia, which is where it all started for the singer. In 2022, Governor Glen Youngkin officially made October 17 “Missy Elliot Day,” where the state of Virginia recognizes her for all her work and accomplishments; she was even recognized with her own street sign in September of 2022.
Even though it’s Missy’s Day, she never wants the day to be about her. Every year she donates to a new organization in Portsmouth. This year, she made a $35,000 donation to the HER Shelter. This shelter helps survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking who are in need of support.
“The employees of the shelter that are there every day providing services without judgement and with compassion. We’ve been doing this for 40 years now, providing. These are life-saving critical services, and without the support of the community, without people like Missy, we’re cooked, we’re done. We’re so grateful and we’re so humble,” said the HER Shelter Chair of the Board of Directors, David O’Donnell, who spoke in front of small crowd gathered.
A select group of friends, family and public officials attended her celebration.
Another speaker was Cassandra Stanley, a domestic violence survivor. “I was in the HER shelter some years ago, about 15 years ago. The resources they provided me, the safety and security, the counseling services. I want to applaud all of the staff because it’s you guys that are in the shelter that make us comfortable and feel safe enough to take care of our business and get back to where we need to be,” said Stanley.
‘I am a survivor of trauma’: Former HER Shelter client now a board member
Missy’s mother, Patricia Elliot, stood next to her daughter. They both received a standing ovation. “I know how it is to be a battered mom, and sometimes you have to just be there for your kids. This is very dear to my heart. We are glad that we are here to help,” said Patricia.
Missy said in front of all the attendees, “We’ve been there. This is just not given to anyone; we know what that feels like. My mother has been such a support system for me. So us doing this, I didn’t want Missy Elliot Day to just be about it being Missy Elliot Day and showing appreciation for anything that I did; I’ve always wanted to give back. Virginia is home to me, and Virginia goes everywhere that I go.”
Last year Missy (with a partnership with DTLR) surprised Douglas Park Elementary School students with a special video message giving them Nike Panda dunk shoes. The students were overjoyed and thankful for the gift.
Missy Elliott gifts free shoes to students at Douglass Park Elementary School
10 On Your Side Photojournalist Cortez Grayson spoke to Missy Elliott and asked her what makes her want to give back.
“Selfness is mandatory to me, I’ve been blessed to have success and travel the world, and Virginia is what created Missy Elliott, besides my mom and my dad. This is home, and it’s molded me just musically as a person, and so I always wanted Virginia, Portsmouth to know how much you know Portsmouth P-town means to me. I’m always going to come back and make sure that I give back. ”
