After putting a temporary hold on Keep a Child Alive’s annual Black Ball, Alicia Keys was back in full force Thursday night to help the organization raise more than $1.3 million dollars.
The event, in its ninth year, took place at the historic Apollo Theater in Harlem with tons of the singer’s famous friends that included Chanel Iman, Pras Michel, husband Swizz Beatz and others.
The formal gala benefits Keep a Child Alive which was founded in 2003 by Keys and Leigh Blake to assist HIV/AIDS victims in Africa and India. This year’s Black Ball was originally planned for Nov. 1, but was cancelled due to Superstorm Sandy.
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“There are places in the world where Keep a Child Alive serves where they have a Hurricane Sandy every day,” Keys explained on the red carpet. “They don’t have electricity, they don’t have heat … and that made me more invigorated to make sure this Black Ball happened.”
And as scheduled, honorees Oprah Winfrey and Angélique Kidjo were recognized for their philanthropic efforts around the world.
“When I look at African girls I see myself,” Winfrey said onstage. “I continue to work for them to have the same opportunities that I have.”
During the night, Keys performed a duet of “I Just Can’t Make You Love Me” with music legend Bonnie Raitt while Whoopi Goldberg served as emcee. Jennifer Hudson and Brittany Howard of Alabama Shakes also hit the stage.
