There’s nothing like doing a lil’ spring cleaning especially when it’s for a good cause! A while back Beyonce revealed that she has quite a lot of clothes. 

I’ve turned my old apartment into a closet. I probably get about 15 bags sent to me a month, she said.

Well, the diva found a way to get rid of the things she doesn’t really need. Beyonce has donated a pair of shoes from her I Am…Sasha Fierce tour for a charity auction. Proceeds from the auction will go to Britain’s Disasters Emergency Committee to help fund rescue work in Haiti, which was hit by a massive earthquake earlier this year.

Diva Mariah Carey and Wyclef Jean are being honored for their humanitarianism. In memory of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, the two will be handed the the Keepers of the Dream trophy at the National Action Network fundraiser on Thursday, April 15^th for their civil rights work. Reverend with a perm Al Sharpton serves as the organization’s President will host the ceremony at NYC’s luxurious Sheraton Hotel. Among the guests, Bill Cosby will also be on deck to make a speech about the issues in education.

Fashion designer and entrepreneur Rachel Roy has teamed up with Fair Winds Trading, an organization that has opened U.S. markets to thousands of female entrepreneurs in Africa & Indonesia. Many of these women have been affected by genocide, abuse and poverty; and also struggle to break free from abusive husbands and fathers. Fair Winds offers these women an opportunity to earn a living to escape. Rachel will be offering handcrafted pieces including clutches and bracelets from these inspiring women in Rwanda and Tanzania as part of the RACHEL Rachel Roy collection and proceeds from each piece will help benefit the lives of these women by giving them an opportunity to earn an income, provide for their families and ultimately independence.

Earlier this week Rachel announced via social networks Facebook and Twitter about her upcoming trip to the motherland in which she’ll be accompanied by U.K. sensation Estelle and her daughter Ava. She writes,

“Next month Estelle & I will travel to Africa to meet women survivors of genocide, abuse & poverty. Through Fairwinds Trading these women are able to earn an income by creating exquisite handmade goods which are sold in the U.S. I am grateful to play a role in helping to change their lives by providing jobs & offering their handcrafted pieces through RRR.”

In celebration of the season of giving, BET’s 106  & Park Host Terrence J and The Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network (WEEN) are hosting a Holiday Party and Toy Drive at the swanky Highbar Lounge in NYC on Wednesday, December 9, 2009. This highly anticipated event allows executives, artists, and philanthropists to give back to their community by donating toys that will be hand delivered to the Boys and Girls Club in Newark, NJ. So come out and join Terrence J., Ween and their celebrity friends for fun filled night of philanthropy.

Who: BET’s 106 & Park Host Terrence J x WEEN

What: Holiday Party & Toy Drive

When: Wednesday, December 9, 2009 @ 9 pm-2am (Early arrival is HIGHLY suggested)

Where: Highbar

251 West 48^th Street & 8^th Ave.

New York, NY 10036

RSVP: HolidayEvent@gmail.com First and last names required for consideration

**All guests must bring a toy for entrance**

In recognition of “World AIDS Day” Alicia Keys held a benefit concert yesterday at NYC’s Nokia Theatre, raising awareness about the AIDS epidemic as well as promoting her new album The Element of Freedom. The songstress sang a few classic tunes, “Falling”, “You Don’t Know My Name”, and “Diary” as well as new tracks  from The Element of Freedom. Alicia also surprised fans by bringing out the King of New York Jay-Z to end the show with NY’s anthem “Empire State of Mind”.

Continuing with her mission to “Keep a Child Alive”, the Grammy-winning singer is launching a contest that will give five people an opportunity to visit the motherland with her. Alicia claims her first visit Africa “totally changed” her life–so she wants to share her life changing experience with others. Awww, how sweet! She says,

“Going to Africa was unbelievable for me. I was probably like 19 or something. I was able to see the great separation between have and have not. I was able to see the incredible spirit of people. I was able to learn firsthand about the AIDS pandemic of Africa.”

In case you missed Alicia’s live performance on YouTube we’ve got you covered!

THOUGHTS?!

If you’ve ever felt that all rappers care about is diamonds, flashy cars, money, and hoes…then hopefully Ludacris, Akon and Big Boi’s good deed will help alter your perception. Earlier today, the three were keeping busy in Austell, GA giving turkeys to families in need just in time for the Thanksgiving Holiday. If you’re wondering who the other dude is…that’s Akon’s lil’ brother Bu, VP of Def Jam. Probably trying to figure out how he got the job? Don’t worry you’re not alone ’cause I am too!

While Luda and his friends were busy helping feed the needy, Queen Latifah was too busy smelling herself. Hopping on the celebrity fragrance bandwagon, the rapper-turned-actress was at Macy’s Herald Square in NYC promoting her new fragrance fit for a “Queen”.

Check out the Queen of Hip-hop Soul, Mary J. Blige share her personal reasons for co-founding FFAWN, an organization dedicated to empowering women in her hometown of Yonkers, NY. FFAWN’s mission is to empower and encourage women by shaping and supporting programs that foster education, career development, strong self-esteem, and personal growth. For more information about FFAWN and how you can get involved visit www.ffawn.org.

Real talk while watching this video, I got a lil’ teary eyed.

Come and experience Hip Hop 4 Life’s “Beauty Bar Bazaar” tonight at Taj Lounge in NYC for a unique and bazaar fundraising shopping experience unlike no other! The Beauty Bar will feature upcoming fashionista designers, stylists, beauty products, cocktails and more! “Hip Hop 4 Life” is a champion of positive youth development and empowerment; serving young people ages 12-18, with a special emphasis on those residing in at-risk environments. The organization is committed to building self-esteem, confidence and sound judgment in young people so they can achieve their utmost potential and become proactive members and leaders within their communities. For more information about Hip Hop 4 Life visit www.hiphop4lifeonline.com

Who: Hip Hop 4 Life

What: A unique shopping experience!

When:   November 6, 2009, 6:00 p.m.

( 6:00- 7:00 p.m. Networking/Cocktail Hour & 7:00-10:00 p.m. Shopping FUN!

Where: TAJ Lounge

New York, NY 10010

Entry Fee: $20

Ya know Str8NYC loves the kiddies, so it’s only right that we promote events that support our youth.

Check out ATL rapper Ludacris chop it up with The Washington Times’ Liz Glover about giving back to the community via his foundation “The Ludacris Foundation”, his beef with Fox News as well as his new projects.

Sidebar: Why would shorty ask him why didn’t name his organization something else? WTF!