BET will launch another initiative to help in the fight against coronavirus, with the support of the creative industry, in its upcoming special to air on April 22, 8 PM ET.
The huge benefit, titled "Saving Our Selves: A BET COVID-19 Relief Effort," aims to "support communities of color most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic," according to BET.
As an event in the middle of the quarantine period, the BET broadcast special will feature a roster of guest artists who will make appearances and performances from their respective homes. The guests will also share tips and insight on how to manage, cope with, and help against the highly contagious disease.
Singer-actress Kelly Rowland, actress Regina Hall, and TV personality Terrence J will be hosting the said event, which will feature Charlie Wilson, Kirk Franklin, Melvin Crispell III, Chance the Rapper, DJ Khaled, and Fantasia.
BET paired up with United Way Worldwide to raise funds for African-American communities as well as various local charities supporting the cause. United Way is known as among the largest private funders of human services and has been doing so for more than a hundred years.
Stan Little, Chief Experience Officer, explains that United Way knows how to get the right kind of help get to the people who need it the most, crediting their extensive experience and significant presence in the country. He also said that they are looking forward to the partnership to bring "much-needed relief and long-term recovery to already vulnerable communities that are being hit especially hard because of the COVID-19 pandemic."
Aside from the BET-United Way, joint fundraiser, BET has also linked with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in a four-part town hall series available on most digital streaming services. Titled "Unmasked: A COVID-19 Virtual Town Hall Series Powered by NAACP & BET," the town hall-style show discusses the various setbacks brought upon by the global pandemic such as its effect on physical and mental health, as well as its impact on the economy.
The Black Entertainment Television (BET) is an American channel under the ViacomCBS Domestic Media Networks unit of the media giant ViacomCBS. BET focuses on providing content such as news, public affairs shows, entertainment, and music programs intended for the African-American TV audience.
What started as a TV channel for people of color is now among the largest African-American brand extending its reach into online content (BET.com), women-oriented content (BET HER), and a variety of genre-focused channels under the BET Music Networks portfolio.
"Saving Our Selves: A BET, COVID-19 Relief Effort", is the latest in-home event following the entertainment industry's efforts to raise support to the various sectors affected by the coronavirus pandemic. WHO and Global Citizen is also set to launch "One World: Together at Home" on April 18 and will include Kerry Washington, couple Idris, and Sabrina Elba, and Lizzo in its star-studded lineup. A few weeks ago, Fox and iHeartMedia teamed up for the "iHeart Living Room Concert for America," which included performances from Alicia Keys and R&B sensation HER.
