Beyoncé is doing her part to make sure her hometown of Houston has a fighting chance against COVID-19.
The powerhouse talent’s BeyGOOD foundation has announced plans to provide 1,000 mobile test kits for Houston residents over Mother’s Day weekend (May 8 and 9), along with supplies like face masks, gloves, vitamins and cleaning supplies. Dubbed the #IDIDMYPART Mobile Testing Relief Campaign, Mrs. Knowles-Carter’s website has more information if you are in the area and would like to receive a test.
In a statement, Beyoncé’s mother Tina Knowles Lawson stressed the importance of people having access to tests.
“The virus is wreaking havoc on the Black community so we need a movement to prioritize our health,” Ms. Tina said. “It is critical that we stay vigilant with social distancing, wearing a mask, and most of all getting tested.”
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Bey previously spoke out about COVID-19’s detrimental impact on black Americans when she appeared on Global Citizen’s One World: Together At Home event in April.
“Black Americans disproportionately belong to these essential parts of the workforce that do not have the luxury of working from home,” she said. “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. A recent report from my home city — Houston, Texas — it showed that of COVID-19 deaths within Houston city limits, 57 percent of fatal cases are African American.”
The singer’s collaboration with fellow H-Town native Megan Thee Stallion on Meg’s “Savage” (Remix) also focuses on their hometown during the pandemic. All proceeds from the collab will go to Houston-based charity Bread of Life, which will help in the non-profit’s mission to feed 500 families a week during the quarantine.
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Because of their philanthropy, both Beyoncé and Megan are set to be honored by the city of Houston with their own respective days.
Hip Hop has stepped up during the pandemic with many artists contributing to their hometown communities. Eminem recently donated “Mom’s Spaghetti” to local Detroit healthcare workers, JAY-Z and Rihanna’s foundation donated $2 million towards COVID-19 relief efforts, Lil Durk handed out meals to frontline workers in Chicago and Diddy has hosted multiple virtual town-halls to discuss pressing issues during the pandemic.
