Pop Culture: Beyoncé Makes A Powerful Commencement Speech For The Class of 2020 [@Beyoncé]

Beyoncé makes a powerful & emotional speech for the Class of 2020 graduates.

Beyoncé addressed the Class of 2020 in a powerful 9-minute speech she made for the 2020 graduates. Due to Covid:19, universities all over the world have closed down for the safety of their students and faculty. Meaning many students who were due to graduate this year have had their ceremonies canceled. In light of this, Former President of the United States Barack Obama and Former First Lady Michelle Obama partnered up with YouTube for a worldwide commencement ceremony that would be a mixture of speeches and performances from well-known figures like Beyoncé and Lady Gaga.

Dubbed the “First Lady of Music” by Clive Davis. The artist and businesswoman used her impactful speech to shed light on all that has been going on in the political climate. In particular, the protests and the unification of people against the unjust murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and many more. She said, “Thank you for using your collective voice and letting the world know that black lives matter,” she said. “The killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and so many others have left us all broken”.

Beyoncé also spoke about her experience in the music industry and how as a black woman she has experienced misogyny and racism when she has wanted to take control and ownership of her art. She said, “Not enough black women had a seat at the table. So I had to go and chop down that wood and build my own table. Then I had to invite the best there was to have a seat. That meant hiring women, men outsiders, underdogs, people that were overlook and waiting to be seen.”

Beyoncé encouraged graduating students to embrace their “queerness” and “blackness” and repeatedly reminded us to “fight for people who may be different from you”. The Grammy-award winning artist concluded with “I know you are ready to start one of the most important journeys of your life. You are at the brink of a huge world shift. Look how far you’ve come, and how much you contributed. Keep pushing. Forget the fear, forget the doubt, keep investing and keep betting on yourself. And congratulations.”

Commencement addresses were also made by Lizzo, Taylor Swift, BTS, Lady Gaga, Chloe x Halle and Katy Perry.

Check out the GUAP Arts & Culture section, to discover new art, film, and creative individuals.