It’s Time To Unite The World To Fight The Covid-19 Pandemic

“For too long, we have focused on our differences – in our politics and backgrounds, in our race and beliefs – rather than cherishing the unity and pride that binds us together.”

What can unite the world more than a common enemy? Bill Gates published his article The First Modern Pandemic last week comparing the fight against Covid-19 to a world war, with one big exception: All humanity is on the same side.

Imagine that? No nationalism, no racism, no religious or economic sect being favored or targeted. Covid-19 is a global crisis and now is the time to help others by staying home, practicing safe social distancing and proper hygiene.

While everyone needs to do the basics, there are many less fortunate who need more support. Enter a smart group of individuals producing a 24-hour live streaming event titled the call to unite. Simple goal: Invite people across the globe to celebrate humanity and offer hope and support for the future.

The participants are incredible and diverse – all sharing practices, prayers, songs and more to turn this moment’s pain into the possibility of tomorrow. You can see the list of participants here and some key names include Tim and Maria Shriver, Oprah Winfrey, Quincy Jones, Josh Groban, Charli D’Amelio, Julia Roberts, TD Jakes, D-Nice, Deepak Chopra, Alvin Ailey, Questlove, and many more. Three of the event’s producers, who brought in much of the creative, partnership strategy, and talent producing, is thanks to the brainchild of a collective formed by Derek ‘Fonzworth Bentley’ Watkins’ F.J. Bentley Productions (Los Angeles), in conjunction with Louis Upkins’ Upkins Consulting (Tennessee) and Bettie Levy’s BCL Entertainment (New York).

The Call to Unite is making it easy for you to participate. Through service partners Give Directly and Points of Light, you can give to families and communities that need it most. It doesn’t matter if that’s your own neighborhood or somewhere around the world. Give what you can or join the campaign #answerthecall to let everyone know we’re uniting against this global health crisis.

There is plenty of negativity, sickness, death, hunger, unemployment and inconveniences created by this virus. Too many people are suffering in silence or suffering together. It’s time to unite, share and cherish the unity and pride that binds us together. The 24 hour event begins Friday, May 1 at 8 pm eastern standard time.