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
"Dear Class of 2020" Love, Chloe x Halle
YouTube’s “Dear Class of 2020” was an extravaganza of musical performances and celebrity appearances that culminated into an online commencement ceremony for the titular graduating class.
YouTube’s “Dear Class of 2020” was an extravaganza of musical performances and celebrity appearances that culminated into an online commencement ceremony for the titular graduating class. While there was never any doubt that superstars like Lizzo and Megan Thee Stallion would deliver spectacular shows, audiences were most captivated by the divine, dulcet melodies of Chloe x Halle.
Proving their worth as Beyonce’s protégés, the sister duo performed an enchanting rendition of their hit song, “Do It”. Further embodying what they called “black girl magic,” they were both draped in bejeweled cage dresses crafted by high-fashion designer Zana Bayne. Even the undergarments they wore were the creations of the distinguished brand Venus Prototype. While not as flamboyant or ornate as their fellow musicians, Chloe x Halle nonetheless awed viewers with their vocal talents alone. The class of 2020 certainly felt honored by the sisters’ harmonious brand of congratulating them, turning their remote, unorthodox graduation from isolating to unforgettable.
Report: Nia Hunt
I'm Black & I'm Proud: Songs to Uplift our Community
Black people have been fighting for equality for centuries. Sometimes it's hard staying positive during these dark times. We need a reminder that black is beautiful and amazing. These five songs have helped me work throughout these times and find my strength to keep pushing forward.
The deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery are only the tip of the iceberg when addressing black lives lost to racism. At a time when blackness is seen as a weapon, it is hard to stay prideful and inspired. It’s difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel. We need a reminder of how great blackness is. Music is the soundtrack to life. Music is what has helped the black community through our greatest struggles. That is what motivated me to make the list of song that has helped me stay inspired and prideful this last week.
I’m Black & I’m Proud - James Brown
James Brown could not say it better! The funk song was written in 1968 but still speaks to many of the issues the black community faces currently. Addressing the need for black empowerment. This song is number one because right now black equates to “criminal” or “dangerous”. Instead, black people need a reminder of how amazing we are and take pride in how far we have gotten.
Alright - Kendrick Lamar
Used back in 2015 by young activists when protesting police brutality this song became coined the “unifying soundtrack of the movement”. This song is a message of hope, telling us that we will be okay as long as we are in this together.
Keep Ya Head Up - 2Pac
This track uplifts and defends black women. Written when Tupac was only 21, this song addresses how black women are often stereotyped and taken advantage of in and outside of our community. Instead, Pac used this song to show the strength and the importance black women are to the community.
Freedom - Beyoncé
The title speaks for itself. This song performed by Beyonce is meant to elevate the black people and demands “freedom” for oppressive authorities. The music video also illuminates the beauty, softness, and the strength black women exude, showcasing the mothers of Trayvon Martin and Eric Garner holding pictures of their sons. Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar touch on the issues black women face as well as the social injustices the black community faces as a group.
Fight The Power - Public Enemy
We have all heard this phrase before. This song is the reminder we all might need to continue to do our part if we want to reform to the police and justice systems. This song is on my list not because of its super uplifting but because it reminded me that we have the power to change our communities and government. So than months from now, our voices are still being heard.
Photo Credit: Wikipedia.com
Report: Lauren Tucker
"Savage"
Beyoncé and Meg the Stallion astonished the world with their shake to the music industry
Beyoncé and Meg the Stallion astonished the world with their shake to the music industry. The remix to the rapper's viral hit "Savage" on Thursday, April 29th, had the beehive (fans) emphatically freaking out over their unique collab on several media platforms.
"And this is why she's queen," one listener wrote on the popular social media of Twitter, along with Queen Bey's verse in which she name drops Onlyfans, TickTock, And her beautiful mother Tina Knowles-Lawson, in which she claims to get her “savagness” from. This sparked a lot of different interests in people to step into their own “savage”power.
For instance, Kerry Washington declared “Savage" the song could not get any better which was a tweet written for Beyoncè where she pays homage towards the queen. I think it’s safe to say many fans can agree, her adding a touch of her magical voice on the song helped to drive the song to number one!
Report: Stacey Rattray
Classy, Bougie...You Know the Rest!
Music lovers have been raging about this new Houston collaboration! The two Texas-born women recently dropped a remix to Megan Thee Stallion’s song “Savage”.
Houston, we have a problem! Once again, Beyonce (better known as Queen B), has stopped the world once again. We all know that all our hotties have been anxiously waiting for this moment. Megan Thee Stallion has always stated that her dream collaboration would have to be with Beyonce. Her wish indeed came true and dominated social media and the charts.
The original song speaks about women empowerment and how women can be a combination of a lot of characteristics, all wrapped in one. Musically, the Texan rapper uses her go-get-it attitude, along with her ridiculous flow to convey her message perfectly over a beat that is reminiscent of nostalgic hip-hop music videos. The original song topped charts, and it has the app Tik Tok to include on its success. Tik Tok has been an app being used heavily throughout this period of social distancing and quarantine. The remix is making listeners reminisce over how a remix is supposed to sound. Many listeners gravitated towards the remix because of Beyonce, and because the song sounds like a different song. A better one at that! It is the absolute best combination of Beyonce's vocals and Megan Thee Stallion's bars. Let's not forget that although Beyonce is a world-renowned singer, we could hand her a Grammy for Rapper of the Year!
These two black women have topped all of the fans' expectations and have made an anthem that will not be going away any time soon. It has made women all across the globe realize that "If you don't jump to put jeans on, Baby, you don't feel my pain." Megan Thee Stallion's Savage has been one of the top challenges on Tik Tok, but the remix with Queen B might top it. This Houston collaboration is one for the books!
Cartoon picture: @maateusforte Mateus Forte
Black and White picture: Wonderland Magazine
Report: Soila Douce
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.