Beyonce had an important fact to share with viewers during the One World: Together at Home concert on Saturday (April 18): black Americans are dying at a higher rate from the coronavirus.
The superstar kicked off her message by thanking the “true heroes” — the essential workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 battle — for their selfless work in taking care of the sick, and also ensuring that those of us sheltering in place at home still received our mail and various deliveries so we could remain safe. “We continue to pray for your safety,” she said before sharing some facts.
“Black Americans disproportionately belong to these essential parts of the workforce that do not have the luxury of working from home,” she pointed out. “And 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.”
Beyonce, with a beautiful sunset behind her, then shared a grim report. “A recent report from my home city of Houston, Texas, shows that of COVID-19 deaths within Houston city limits, 57 percent of fatal cases are African Americans,” she pointed out. “Please protect yourselves. We are one family, and we need you. We need your voices, your abilities, and your strength all over this world. I know it’s very hard. Please be patient, stay encouraged, keep the faith, stay positive, and continue to pray for our heroes.”
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Saturday’s concert was curated by Lady Gaga to benefit the World Health Organization and Global Citizen to battle the worldwide coronavirus pandemic. The event has already raised $50 million to date.
Watch Beyoncé’s full message below: