Beyoncé is looking out for essential workers. The legendary singer’s BeyGOOD Foundation has recently partnered with Twitter and Square CEO Jack Dorsey’s #startsmall initiative and UCLA to donate $6 million toward mental health and other wellness services, aimed at providing relief to the country’s essential workers.
“BeyGOOD recognizes the immense mental and personal health burdens being placed on essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic,” a press release from Bey’s organization reads. “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 has also teamed up with the National Alliance in Mental Illness to bring support to essential workers in Houston, New York, New Orleans and Detroit. During Global Citizen’s virtual “One World: Together At Home” concert, Beyoncé addressed the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, which has disproportionately affected the African American community.
“Black Americans disproportionately belong to these essential parts of the workforce that do not have the luxury of working from home,” she said during the special. “African American communities at large have been severely affected in this crisis. 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.”
Earlier this month, Beyoncé’s husband JAY-Z and Rihanna’s Clara Lionel Foundation also partnered with Dorsey to donate $6.2 million in COVID-19 relief grants. According to a press release, funds will be diverted to the Covenant House of New Orleans, Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, World Central Kitchen, The Hispanic Federation, Total Community Action and more and go “towards protecting and serving marginalized populations, helping the most vulnerable in the United States, with a focus on New York, New Orleans and Puerto Rico as well as international communities.”