The cable channel BET will broadcast a special telethon Wednesday night to support African American communities who are being hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.
The two-hour broadcast, “Saving Our Selves: A BET Covid-19 Relief Effort,” will feature prominent musical artists like Alicia Keys, John Legend, DJ Khaled, Chance the Rapper, and the gospel singer Kirk Franklin, as well as the comedian Tiffany Haddish.
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Kelly Rowland, Anthony Anderson, Terrence J and Regina Hall will host.
“COVID-19 is severely compounding pre-existing health and financial vulnerabilities many African Americans face, resulting in a significantly disproportionate impact on the black community,” said LeToya Glenn-Bacon, director of communications at the BET Network.
The telethon comes after an April 17 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that suggested COVID-19 has “disproportionately affected” African Americans.
“The BET COVID-19 Relief Fund will support and amplify relief efforts in these communities, with a focus on families in need of food assistance and emergency support,” Glenn-Bacon said.
In partnership with the NAACP and United Way Worldwide, a nonprofit that works with partners to pool fundraising efforts, the COVID-19 Relief fund will be disbursed to local community-based organizations.
Their primary focus will be cities most heavily affected by the coronavirus outbreak, including New York, Atlanta and Detroit.
The event airs Wednesday, April 22, at 8 p.m. ET.