As millions of people tuned in around the world for the One World: Together At Home global broadcast on Saturday night, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter herself made a surprise appearance to raise her voice in support of the heroic key workers tackling COVID-19.
"Tonight we celebrate true heroes, those who are making the ultimate sacrifice to keep us all safe, fed, and healthy," she said, during the historic broadcast to unite the world behind the response efforts of frontline workers and the World Health Organization.
"To the doctors, the nurses, and other health care workers who are away from their families, taking care of ours, we continue to pray for your safety," Knowles-Carter continued. "To those in the food industry, delivery workers, mail carriers, and sanitation employees, who are working so that we can be safe in our homes, we thank you for your selfless service."
Knowles-Carter appeared alongside global health experts, world leaders, frontline workers, and some of the biggest names in music and entertainment for One World: Together At Home — including the hosts of the broadcast, Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, and Stephen Colbert.
Knowles-Carter also highlighted the disproportionate impact being felt in the US among black Americans as a result of COVID-19.
"Black Americans disproportionately belong to these essential parts of the workforce that do not have the luxury of working from home," she continued. "And African American communities at large have been severely affected in this crisis."
"This virus is killing black people at an alarmingly high rate here in America," Knowles-Carter said, citing a report from her home city, Houston, Texas, showing that, of COVID-19 deaths within Houston city limits, 57% were African American — while black residents reportedly make up just 22.5% of Houston’s population.
According to Houston health authorities, this is largely due to "social disparities" in health care, as well as a higher rate of chronic illnesses, which are known to typically worsen the effects of COVID-19.
"Please, protect yourselves," she continued. "We are one family and we need you. We need your voices, your abilities, and your strength all over this world."
In closing her message, she said: "I know it’s very hard, but please be patient, stay encouraged, keep the faith, stay positive, and continue to pray for our heroes. Good night, and god bless you."
Join the movement by heading to our 'Together At Home' campaign page, and taking action online to support frontline health workers and the global COVID-19 response.
You can see all of Global Citizen's COVID-19 coverage here.
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