Beyoncé Donates $6 Million to COVID-19 Relief
Beyoncé is giving back during the coronavirus crisis.
The singer’s BeyGOOD foundation has partnered with Twitter and Square CEO Jack Dorsey’s #startsmall to provide $6 million in funding to organizations providing mental wellness services, through a key national partnership with UCLA.
“BeyGOOD recognizes the immense mental and personal health burdens being placed on essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic,” reads a press release. “In our major cities, African-Americans comprise a disproportionate number of workers in these indispensable occupations, and they will need mental health support and personal wellness care, included testing and medical services, food supplies and food deliveries, both during and after the crisis.”
BeyGOOD partners with @Jack Dorsey’s #startsmall to support COVID-19 relief https://t.co/SJMzMWlZgW pic.twitter.com/yJwyBgcBpu
— BeyGOOD (@BeyGood) April 23, 2020
The initiative has also partnered with the National Alliance in Mental Illness (NAMI) to offer local support in Houston, New York, New Orleans, and Detroit. Personal wellness support will aid organizations including United Memorial Medical Center, Bread of Life, Mathew 25, and more.
The coronavirus has disproportionately affected black Americans. During Global Citizen’s “One World: Together At Home” special, Beyoncé addressed the virus’ impact on the black community. “Black Americans disproportionately belong to these essential parts of the workforce that do not have the luxury of working from home. African-American communities at large have been severely affected in this crisis,” she said. “Those with pre-existing conditions are at an even higher risk. This virus is killing black people at an alarmingly high rate here in America.”
Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles-Lawson, also revealed that one of her best friends, Sheila Campbell Christian, died from the coronavirus. Christian was a nurse and Beyoncé served as the flower girl at her wedding. “Losing our healthcare workers who are fighting for our families and us is the saddest thing,” said Lawson. “Please take it seriously and stay home if you can.”
In addition to Beyoncé, Rihanna’s Clara Lionel Foundation recently teamed up with Twitter’s Dorsey and JAY-Z to donate over $6.2 million to help fund COVID-19 relief efforts across the globe including vulnerable populations in New York, New Orleans, and Puerto Rico.