Michelle Obama presents Beyoncé with BET Humanitarian Award: ‘You inspire me’
Former first lady Michell Obama appeared on the 2020 BET Awards, Sunday, to honor her longtime friend Beyoncé. Obama presented Beyoncé with the Humanitarian Award for her work in social justice. “Ever since she was a little girl in Houston, Beyoncé Knowles Carter has been lighting up the stages and gracing the world with her talent with her generosity of spirit, and with her love for her community,” said Obama. “You inspire me. You inspire all of us.” While accepting the award, Beyoncé thanked everyone involved in the current calls for an end to systemic racism. “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,” said Beyoncé. “Your voices are being heard, and you are proving to our ancestors that their struggles were not in vain.” The upcoming Fall elections were also on Beyoncé’s mind during the acceptance. She implored that viewers vote in order to enact the changes that are spurring the current protests. “I'm encouraging you to continue to take action, continue to change and dismantle a racist and unequal system,” said Beyoncé. “We have to vote like our life depends on it, because it does.” Immediately following her acceptance speech, a promo aired for her upcoming visual album, Black is King. It will be a celebration of Black excellence, based on the music from the film The Lion King: The Gift. The special is being released July 31st on Disney+.
Video Transcript
[MUSIC PLAYING]
MICHELLE OBAMA: Ever since she was a little girl in Houston, Beyonce Knowles Carter has been lighting up the stages and gracing the world with her talent, with her generosity of spirit, and with her love for her community.
- Former first lady, Michelle Obama, appeared on the 2020 BET awards Sunday to honor her longtime friend Beyonce with the humanitarian award and some kind words.
MICHELLE OBAMA: You inspire me. You inspire all of us.
- While Beyonce is a superstar performer onstage, offstage, she is a superstar leader in the fight for justice and equality. So the current protests around the country calling for an end to systemic racism were at the top of her mind when she received the award.
BEYONCE KNOWLES CARTER: 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.
- Viewers at home were thrilled to see both Beyonce and Michelle, with one person tweeting, yes, Beyonce getting the praise she deserves, from Michelle Obama too. Black legends love Black legends. Beyonce finished her acceptance speech by encouraging all of those calling for change to vote.
BEYONCE KNOWLES CARTER: I'm encouraging you to continue to take action, continue to change and dismantle a racist and unequal system. We have to continue to do this together. Continue to fight for each other and lift each other up. We have to vote like our life depends on it because it does. So please continue to be the change you want to see.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
