The 'Sorry' singer stood with leaders from several different religions to pray for the victims of the natural disaster during the 'Hand in Hand' telethon, while the songstress gave a powerful speech.
- Sep 13, 2017
AceShowbiz - Celebrities stood together to help victims of both Hurricane Irma and Harvey. Justin Bieber and Beyonce Knowles were among big names joining the "Hand in Hand: A Benefit for Hurricane Relief" telethon to lend a helping hand to those affected by the devastating hurricanes that have hit Texas, Florida and the Caribbean.
During the telethon, Justin stood with leaders from several different religions to pray for the victims of the natural disaster. With his blonde hair brushed up and accented by a bandanna while wearing a pair of granpa glasses, the 23-year-old Canadian singer bowed his head as the preacher prayed, begging a higher power for "compassion for all who are in need, no matter their background."
During the Tuesday, September 12 telethon, the "Sorry" hitmaker admitted that "though we don't yet understand the purpose of the storm, we know you will guide us through the storm."
We love you @justinbieber. 🙏🏻 #HandInHand Listen on iHeartRadio: https://t.co/HM4a9wMg4Z Donate now: https://t.co/HxImEwwhu9 pic.twitter.com/EMskvUDRcB
— iHeartRadio (@iHeartRadio) September 13, 2017
Beyonce delivered a powerful speech during the telethon, which is raising funds for the massive relief efforts that have begun in the wake of consecutive hurricanes that have left millions with extensive storm damage and entire communities ravaged by flood waters. It's the second speech Bey has given in the wake of the disaster.
In a pre-recorded message, the "Formation" singer said, "During a time where it's impossible to watch the news without seeing violence or racism in this country, just when you think it couldn't possibly get worse, natural disasters take precious life, do massive damage and forever change lives, leaving behind contaminated water, flooded hospitals, schools and nursing homes."
Bey, a Houston native, spoke about the importance of coming together in such a divisive political moment. "Natural disasters don't discriminate," she stressed. "They don't see if you're an immigrant, black or white, Hispanic or Asian, Jewish or Muslim, wealthy or poor. It doesn't matter if you're from Third Ward or River Oaks, we're all in this together. Seeing everyone of different racial, social and religious backgrounds put their own lives at risk to help each other survive, restored my faith in humanity."
Watch: Beyoncé's heartfelt message on natural disasters & climate change. #HandInHand pic.twitter.com/B0McFh21Dt
— BEYONCÉ LEGION (@Bey_Legion) September 13, 2017
The 35-year-old mother of three also connected Harvey and Irma's destruction to climate change. "The effects of climate change are playing out around the world every day," she said. "Just this past week, we've seen devastation from the monsoon in India, an 8.1 earthquake in Mexico and multiple catastrophic hurricanes."
She continued, "Irma, alone, has left a trail of death and destruction from the Caribbean to Florida to the Southern United States. We have to be prepared for what comes next," before concluding, "So tonight we come together in a collective effort to raise our voices, to help our communities, to lift our spirits and heal."
