Beyonce wins BET's 2020 Humanitarian Award
The BET Humanitarian Award is given to a celebrity who makes strides towards bettering communities, a celebrity who understands the significance of philanthropy and dedicates their time and money on working with charitable causes, and Beyoncé fulfills nothing short of this description.
Queen B. Yoncé. Sasha Fierce. Ms. Carter. Just a few nicknames that refer to the one and only Beyoncé. The singer, songwriter, producer, actress, and woman of many more talents has been nominated as BET Networks 2020 Humanitarian Award honoree. From starting her own charity BeyGOOD and implementing multiple humanitarian projects and efforts, it is no surprise that Beyoncé was chosen to receive this special award.
The BET Humanitarian Award is given to a celebrity who makes strides towards bettering communities, a celebrity who understands the significance of philanthropy and dedicates their time and money on working with charitable causes, and Beyoncé fulfills nothing short of this description.
Being the incredible human that she is, Beyoncé donates to more than 35 different charities, including Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Feeding America, and Stand Up To Cancer.
In light of the current protests and efforts to dismantle systemic racism, Beyoncé remains a prominent figure for the Black Lives Matter movement. In her acceptance speech, Beyoncé dedicates the award to all of her brothers and sisters who continue to fight for change, and encourages people to use their voice and power to vote.
On Juneteenth, the anniversary of the emancipation of enslaved people, Beyoncé released a song titled “Black Parade” which celebrates black history and is an ode to her heritage. The musical release comes as no surprise, though, as Beyoncé has always celebrated blackness in her music and remains a symbol for black beauty, grace, and power.
In addition to her recent creative projects that commemorate black heritage, Beyoncé has partnered with Disney on a visual album titled “Black is King” inspired by “The Lion King” that will also pay tribute to Black culture and incorporates the timeless lessons from the movie.
As if BET’s Humanitarian Award isn’t already an honor in itself, the award was presented to Beyoncé by none other than former First Lady, Michelle Obama, who beamed with proud while speaking about the honoree- her dear friend.
Beyoncé’s career thus far has been undoubtedly influential, and in her young life she has already done more than most in philanthropic efforts. She is a star who she shines bright, and is able to radiate that light onto others and help them to create better a better world around them.
Photo credit can be attributed to Google's website.
Report: Alexandra Donnelly
Black-ish’s Marsai Martin sets trolls straight after criticism on her BET Awards Look
Black-ish actor Marsai Martin made sure she gave internet trolls a reality check on focusing on the more important things such as Breonna Taylor rather than criticize her looks from the BET Awards show.
This year’s virtual BET Awards was hosted by Comedian Amanda Seales. The Black Entertainment Television Network has celebrated and honored Black achievements and culture for 20 years.
This years show was pivotal, due to the racism and injustice that Black people face around the world. Amanda Seales shed light on two of the most important realties that we face in this world, systematic racism and police brutality in the U.S.
Although the famous award show was held virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic, that did not step celebrities from flaunting their stylish looks in the comfort of their own homes.
Black-ish star Marsai Martin was not having it after receiving criticism over her awards look. On Monday June 29, the 15-year-old took to instagram, posting an epic clap back for all of the trolls who had words to say on her look.
“So, I was on Twitter, and a lot of people have been addressing my hair and talking about my hair and how it looks like a grandma’s wig,” she said as she held back fake tears and pulled at her strands. “And they’re talking about my veneers,” she added, pulling out a retainer. “These don’t look like a veneer to me.”
She continued in a saddened tone, showcasing her brilliant acting skills as she apologized to “anyone that I offended or haven’t gotten to your expectations about how I’m supposed to be.”
“I never want to hurt anyone’s feelings,” she said. “Or have anyone worry about what my decisions are.” She took a pause as if she was going to break down and was handed a $100 bill that she in turn blew her nose with.
At the end of the clip, Martin expresses her disappointment in people for not focusing on more important and relevant things, rather than how someone looks when doing their own awards show hair and make up at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Y’all, we are in quarantine and we’ve got more things to focus on than just my hair,” she says. “Justice for Breonna Taylor.”
Martin received a lot of praise from fellow celebrities in the comments.”My cousin is better than y’all,” wrote Janelle Monae. “I wouldn’t cross her y’all. She’ll chew you up,” wrote her fellow Black-ish actor Jeff Meacham.
“Oh man I was so upset. You are just brilliant. Holy crap what a turn. You got the stuff. No one is qualified to be you BUT YOU. And you know it. So rad,” wrote comedian Sarah Silverman.
I think it’s safe to say that you don’t want to mess with the clap back queen.
Picture Credit:
1. https://toofab.com/2020/06/29/black-ish-marsai-martin-hilariously-claps-back-at-trolls-bet/
2. https://www.teenvogue.com/story/marsai-martin-clapback-video-bet-awards-2020
3. https://www.teenvogue.com/story/marsai-martin-clapback-video-bet-awards-2020
Report: Juana Norales
Instagram: @juana.n_
At the rise of Covid-19 many of us first questioned the timeline of fashion week and would we see the regular calendar continue - the question weighed over many of us for months! It was refreshing to see design houses and designers across the globe take advantage of the uncertainty and plow into production mode - thus my interest in Jerri Reid New York - The Black Designer based in Brooklyn New York wow’d instagram with his latest collection paying homage to the Black Is King film which debuted earlier this year in July. I was taken aback at quick of a turn round the young designer produced and released his well crafted designs reflecting some of the films most memorable moments.