Beyoncé has been making her virtual rounds dropping inspiring speeches, and the 2020 BET Awards were no exception. On Sunday night, the singer, who recently announced the upcoming release of her visual album Black Is King, signed on for the 20th anniversary of the BET Awards to accept the show’s Humanitarian Award and deliver a stirring word to her fans.
Michelle Obama kicked off a presentation made in honor of the 38-year-old singer, and then a slew of family, friends, and collaborators shared how the singer has helped her community and others around the world. Tina Knowles-Lawson spoke on how her daughter has always given back because she knew she had “a responsibility because she’s been blessed.” The presentation highlighted the work Beyoncé does through her nonprofit organization BeyGood, from aiding those most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in the Black community to providing scholarships with the Homecoming Scholarship. “It’s about giving and paying it forward,” Tyler Perry said of the BeyGood initiative. “That’s what Beyoncé is about, and that’s why she’s deserving so much of this humanitarian award.”
When the star appeared to virtually accept her honor, she kept her speech concise, yet powerful. “I want to dedicate this award to all of my brothers out there, all of my sisters out there, inspiring me, marching, and fighting for change. Your voices are being heard, and you’re proving to our ancestors that their struggles were not in vain,” she said. She urged her fans to continue to “walk in our true power” by voting.
“I’m encouraging you to continue to take action, continue to change and dismantle a racist and unequal system,” she added. “We have to continue to do this together, continue to fight for each other, and lift each other up because there are people banking on us staying at home during local elections and primaries.” Before signing off, she asked her fans to vote as if their lives depended on it – because they do. See more pictures of her speech ahead.
