Beyonce has been one of the many celebrities who gave a commencement speech at YouTube Originals’ “Dear Class of 2020” commencement ceremony.
The virtual ceremony happened on Sunday, June 7 and it also featured Barack and Michelle Obama, Beyoncé, BTS, Lady Gaga, Maluma, and more.
Black Lives Matter
Beyonce Knowles-Carter started off her speech by addressing the major world events this year’s graduates are facing.
“Congratulations to the class of 2020, you have arrived here in the middle of a global crisis, a racial pandemic and worldwide expression of outrage at the senseless killing of yet another unarmed Black human being. And you still made it, we’re so proud of you,” she said.
The singer referenced the killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor, and the nationwide marches and protests.
“It has left the entire country searching for answers. We’ve seen that our collective hearts, when put to positive action, could start the wheels of change. Real change has started with you, this new generation of high school and college graduates who we celebrate today.”
Words of Encouragement
The 38-year-old pop icon also criticized the entertainment industry and the sexism in it.
“It’s still very male-dominated, and as a woman, I did not see enough female role models given the opportunity to do what I knew I had to do. To run my label and management company, to direct my films and produce my tours, that meant ownership: owning my masters, owning my art, owning my future and writing my own story. 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.”
Beyoncé encouraged everyone who has ever been put in the margins to stand up and be seen.
“To all those who feel different, if you’re a part of a group that’s called ‘other,’ a group that does not get the chance to be center stage, build your own stage and make them see you.
Your queerness is beautiful. Your blackness is beautiful. Your compassion, your understanding, your fight for people who may be different from you is beautiful.
I hope you continue to go into the world and show them that you will never stop being yourself. That it’s your time now. Make them see you.”
