My respect level for Beyoncé just went up 100%.
After reading her December cover interview with British Vogue, I was reminded yet again why I respect this woman so much, and it has nothing to do with her beauty or her incredible talent.
Let me start by saying, I’m a fan. Not a Beyhive member. Not a sycophant. Just a fan. And I’ve been her fan since her Destiny’s Child days when she led the group with verve and a superstar-like demeanour not seen since Diana Ross fronted The Supremes and Michael Jackson, The Jackson 5.
The reclusive star is known for her incredible music, her killer work ethic and her many awards – she’s got 24 Grammys and 70 nominations, making her the most nominated woman and the second-most awarded woman in Grammy history.
Since she officially stepped on the scene with Destiny’s Child in the late 90s, she has been unstoppable.
Aside from amassing Oscar-nominated songs, hit movies and fattening her bank account, she has gained a fanatic fanbase known as the Beyhive.
She is clearly a bona fide legend. Not a legend-in-the-making. A legend. Period.
Beyoncé’s Philanthropy Is Incredible
But, I find that her accolades are so numerous that it’s easy to overlook the good she is doing, particularly as it relates to her philanthropy. And this, ladies and gentlemen, is where my jaw drops.
In her interview, Beyoncé notes that 2020 has “been a year of service for me” as she spent time helping individuals and families that were disproportionately impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I try to think of the most productive way I can help. I was able to work with my church in Houston, Texas, my mother and Jack Dorsey [CEO of Twitter] to set up testing for a lot of Houstonians, especially those in economically challenged areas, who more than likely had no access to testing at the time,” the Houston native told British Vogue.
“I worked with a local hospital in Houston, supported them with supplies and whatever they needed to best treat those infected. It was heartwarming to see the photos from the testing sites and to read the letters from the people who were high-risk, due to pre-existing health conditions, who were able to recover and return home safely from the hospital.”
Beyoncé also said that she was “fortunate” to help even more people with funds raised from the “Savage” remix with Megan Thee Stallion.
“We donated the proceeds to support Covid-19 victims. I did the same thing with ‘Black Parade’. It’s been a year of service for me,” she said.
Beyoncé Is Always Doing Good In The World
I’ve always been a fan of individuals who use their fortunes to assist the less fortunate. And while Beyoncé doesn’t always talk about what she’s doing, I just know, based on her past philanthropy, that she is somewhere in the world doing good.
In the interview, we learned more about how she and her family have been coping during the pandemic and I was surprised to know she literally owns two beehives with about 80,000 bees.
But, it was the discussion about her philanthropy that really made me pay attention.
I may not like every song or movie Beyoncé releases, but there is no denying that she is a hard worker who is not only consistent, but truly loves what she does. She is an inspiration on so many fronts.
And I thank British Vogue for reminding me of all the good she is doing.
XOXO,
This Bahamian Gyal
