Moguls Diddy and Jay-Z have joined forces to donate $1 million dollars to the American Red Cross to assist in relief efforts in the wake of hurricane Katrina.

"These are our people," Diddy said. "We can't stand around waiting for these people to be taken care of — we have to take care of them ourselves. I urge all our fellow artists and Americans to answer the call. These are communities that I know, communities that have always supported me. Now it's my turn to support them." 

Five days after the hurricane wreaked havoc in the Gulf Coast, thousands of people have succumbed to starvation, dehydration, and despair as the federal government has seemingly abandoned the area's poorest residents who are predominantly African-American. 

“We, as African American men and leaders of our community felt it was a necessity to join forces and help,” Jay-Z said in a statement. “Diddy and I are committed to supporting our people in whichever way we can."

In addition the pair, joined by Stevie Wonder, Omarion, Common and more have signed on for the BET telethon spearheaded by Russell Simmons, airing Friday, September 9th at 7:30 p.m. The lineup also includes Wynton Marsalis, David Banner and New Orleans native Master P.

Joining them is another New Orleans native, Juvenile, who is also spearheading relief efforts within the music community.

According to a press release, Juve's house and possessions are gone. His parents also live in New Orleans, and he has over 200 relatives in the area. The locations of many of his family members are still unknown, and only about half of them were able to get out before the hurricane arrived.