Posted by New York, NY – BET is putting on a telethon to support communities of color hit hard by COVID-19.
Hosted by Kelly Rowland, Regina Hall and TV personality Terrence J, Saving Our Selves: A BET COVID-19 Relief Effort will feature virtual performances from a slew of artists, including DJ Khaled, Charlie Wilson, Chance The Rapper and Kirk Franklin.
Viewers will also get the latest information and tips on how to cope with the pandemic, as well as directions toward important resources.
The show is part of broader efforts to provide economic and educational support to struggling African-Americans, a community especially affected by the coronavirus pandemic. These include the NAACP’s Town Hall Series and a relief fund through United Way Worldwide. All proceeds from the broadcast special will go to the relief fund.
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BET has been pivotal in aiding African-American communities facing hardship throughout the years. The television network raised $12 million for Katrina victims in 2005 and several million for Haiti earthquake victims in 2010.
In a press release, president of BET Scott Mills spoke about the COVID-19 plight in communities of color.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is savagely compounding the profound health and financial vulnerabilities many Black Americans face,” Mills said. “Every day, there are new reports of how this pandemic is killing African Americans at much higher rates than other communities.”
He also explained how BET is pulling out all the stops to help out, saying, “BET is using all of our resources – our capital, our media platforms, our relationships with the creative community, sponsors, businesses and charitable organizations to support our community in this time of crisis.”
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United Way Worldwide provides the most private funding for human services in America. In 130 years they’ve grown to support a vast network of vulnerable communities across the country.
Donations will be used to assist regions most affected for now – New York City, Atlanta, New Orleans, Los Angeles, Detroit and Chicago – with emphasis on getting food to families in desperate need.
For more information on how to donate, visit BET.com.
Saving Our Selves: A BET COVID-19 Relief Effort airs on Wednesday (April 22) at 8 p.m. EST.