By the mid-1980s, famine in parts of Africa inspired European musicians to form a supergroup called Band Aid, recording a holiday album supporting relief. Inspired by that success, Harry Belafonte — a Black singer and leading figure in the Civil Rights movement — recruited Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, and Quincy Jones to write and record “We Are the World” in 1985. The song showcased multiple performers calling for all to “lend a helping hand.” “We Are the World” became the first certified multi-platinum single in American recording history, proving the value of an entrepreneurial approach to charitable fundraising.