In the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, many found themselves without a job. Among those newly unemployed individuals were former employees of bars and performing venues that were either temporarily or permanently shut down as a result of the contagious virus. Ari Lennox has recently joined a campaign that will hopefully provide relief to those social spaces.

The Dreamville star has teamed up with whiskey brand Crown Royal and the Main Street Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping small businesses, to raise money for the bars and small venues affected by COVID-19. As part of the campaign, the liquor company will donate money to the philanthropic company every time “If You Want Me To Stay,” her recent collaboration with Hamilton’s Anthony Ramos, is played.

“I think it’s beautiful that they (Crown Royal) are thinking about these venues, these legendary venues that have had so many amazing, great legendary performers, and that energy needs to continue on,” Lennox said in an interview with CASSIUS.

“Also people need to keep their jobs, I feel like if we close these venues down, these people lose their jobs and that’s not cool. Bartenders, technicians, security, so many different that play a part in keeping these venues running,” she added, noting that these venues are spaces where people can come together and socialize.

Per CASSIUS, Lennox also explained the importance of the mutual energy often exchanged between crowds and performers which is not so common during the pandemic.

Since COVID-19, celebrities have resorted to virtual performances and Instagram lives to entertain their fans. Megan Thee Stallion and Lil Uzi Vert recently took the stage in a ticketed performance sponsored by Live Nation. The BET Awards show was also held virtually this year and featured pre-recorded performances by the featured artists.