'Dear Class of 2020': Beyoncé tackles sexism, racial bias in rousing speech and internet falls in love with her
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter delivered one of the most powerful speeches of her career during YouTube's 'Dear Class of 2020' virtual graduation event on Sunday, June 7, tackling everything from the fear that goes with setting off on a new journey to the struggle against sexism and racism as well as fighting for a just new world.
'Dear Class of 2020', hosted by former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, featured a massive roster of global celebrities and artistes who all joined hands virtually to celebrate this year's graduates, all of whom found themselves unable to attend an official ceremony on account of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The event was originally scheduled for June 6 but was postponed by a day due to George Floyd's passing and the subsequent protests.
In one of the most anticipated moments of the night, Beyoncé delivered a rousing speech which also served as an open and honest conversation about the current state of the world. She began, "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."
"Thank you for using your collective voice and letting the world know that Black lives matter. The killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and so many others have left us all broken. 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."
The ongoing protests have been largely helmed by young black activists and their allies, many of whom have also actively contributed to the cause by donating funds and raising awareness on a global scale. Beyoncé went on to discuss her own experiences as a young black woman, including how she never got to experience campus life or graduation but still learned the value of education and investing in herself, thanks to her parents.
"Dear graduates: Please remember to take a little bit of time to give thanks to your family members and the community who’s been such a big support system for you. You are achieving things your parents and grandparents never could imagine for themselves. You are the answer to a generation of prayers," commending them for being trailblazers in their communities for being brave enough to step out and follow their dreams.
She also highlighted sexism and racial disparity in the music industry, adding that this meant she had to carve out her own space against all odds. She stated "One of the main purposes of my art for many years has been dedicated to showing the beauty of Black people to the world. Our history, our profundity and the value of Black lives. I've tried my best to pull down the veil of appeasement to those who may feel uncomfortable with our excellence."
"To the young women, our future leaders: know that you’re about to make the world turn. I see you. You are everything the world needs. Make those power moves. Be excellent. And to the young kings, lean into your vulnerability and redefine masculinity. Lead with heart."
On her secret to success, Beyoncé stated, "Put in that work," highlighting that despite her 24 Grammy wins, she lost 46. One fan stated, "Omg Beyonce shouting out Grammys on her speech I just canttttttt," while another, in response to the Recording Academy tweeting about the singer's 2004 win said, "And y'all owe Beyoncé three AOTY awards too."
In response to haters and detractors, the singer added that it's an unfortunate side-effect of success, one that graduates shouldn't take personally, instead urging young individuals to invest in themselves rather than focusing on the negative. "Look what you’ve been able to do in the last 14 days," the singer stated, in reference to the social and political change that has followed in the wake of the protests. "We’ve seen the power of the collective. We’ve seen what happens when we join for the same cause. Please, continue to be the voice for the voiceless."
Concluding her speech she stated, "I urge you to let this current moment push you to improve yourself in all areas of your life," adding, "You can be that leader we all need. You can lead the movement that celebrates humanity."
Many fans were left stunned by Beyoncé's speech. One fan shared, "Dude. Beyoncé.. what is it about her that just exudes excellence? Like, how does she do that? How does she string words together and make them so powerful that at one point it almost brings you to tears? That woman is so incredible," while another said, "Beyonce is a literal goddess."
Others found new motivation to effect "real change" thanks to her speech, stating, "Just listened to Beyoncé class of 2020 speech and I feel so motivated. That woman," as well as, "Beyoncé’s #Classof2020 speech was so inspiring! I’m not even a grad but it made me feel like she was talking to me! I need to definitely get out of my comfort zone and start bettering my life for me and let go of the negativity. Love her! What a QUEEN!"
Despite being aimed at graduates, Beyoncé’s words appear to have inspired everyone who was listening. "I know I don’t got no business listening to a class of 2020’s commencement speeches but like, Beyoncé made me cry so," Tweeted one fan, and another said, "Ima be quoting Beyoncé’s class of 2020 commencement speech on here for the foreseeable future. sorry I don’t make the rules." Watch Beyoncé’s speech in full below.