Beyonce has long used her platform to champion causes for social change and will be honored for her efforts at this Sunday’s 20th annual BET Awards.
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In an announcement made moments ago, BET confirmed that Queen Bey (who is nominated five times) will be presented with the prestigious Humanitarian Award.
Her status as a philanthropist, who has created several initiatives to give back to the world at large, is touted as one of many reasons for the much deserved salute.
Per the statement:
Beyoncé established “Formation Scholars,” in 2017, to encourage and support young women who are unafraid to think outside the box and are bold, creative, conscious and confident. The scholarship awarded students from four colleges. That year, she partnered with UNICEF to create ‘BeyGood4Burundi.’ This multi-year partnership was established to bring safe water and sanitation to the small, landlocked East African country of Burundi. In 2018 she created the Homecoming Scholars Award Program, following her historic performance at Coachella, which benefited students at eight HBCU colleges and universities.
It continued:
In response to the pandemic, Beyoncé teamed up with her mother, Ms. Tina Knowles Lawson, for the #IDIDMYPART mobile testing initiative to encourage residents in Houston in Black and brown communities, disproportionately affected by COVID-19, to know their status. She has also donated to support organizations on the ground helping to meet basic health and mental needs in vulnerable communities, affected by the crisis. For Juneteenth, following the release of her latest song, “Black Parade,” Beyoncé announced the creation of BeyGOOD’s Black Business Fund, administered by the National Urban League, to support Black-owned small businesses.
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The news came paired with confirmation that Sunday’s show, which will also air on CBS for the first time, will pay tribute to Kobe Bryant and Little Richard.
Powering on despite the pandemic, the Amanda Seales hosted special (the format of which will be revealed on-air) boasts performances from the likes of Megan Thee Stallion, Alicia Keys, Usher, Chloe x Halle, Roddy Ricch, Jennifer Hudson, DaBaby, and more.
Appearances include Naomi Campbell, Samuel L. Jackson, Michael B. Jordan, Lizzo, Lena Waithe, Maxine Waters, Billy Porter, Courtney B. Vance, Debbie Allen, Deon Cole, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, La La Anthony, Misty Copeland, Omari Hardwick, Quavo, Quincy Jones, Rapsody, Regina Hall, Saweetie, Sterling K. Brown, Viola Davis, and Whoopi Goldberg.
The 2020 BET Awards airs Sunday, June 28th, on BET and CBS.