Beyoncé has praised protesters in America and encouraged them to vote during the 2020 Presidential election during an impassioned acceptance speech at the BET Awards.
The 38-year-old music icon was introduced by former First Lady, Michelle Obama, as she was handed the Humanitarian Award during the first ever virtual BET ceremony.
Black Parade singer Bey was celebrated for her philanthropic work – including the recent launch of her Black Business Fund through her BeyGood organisation which supports black businessmen and women.
Accepting her award, Beyoncé paid tribute to the thousands of Americans who have taken to the streets since the death of George Floyd on 25 May to fight for greater racial equality.
She said: "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.”
The singer urged followers to vote during the upcoming American elections – including the presidential election in November.
She said: ”Now, we have one more thing we need to do to walk in our true power and that is to vote.
“I am 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 because there are people banking on us staying at home during local elections and primaries happening in states across the country.
"We have to vote like our life depends on it, because it does. So please continue to be the change you want to see."
Paying tribute to the Destiny’s Child legend, former First Lady Michelle, 56, praised the star for her boundless energy.
She said: "You can see it in everything she does, from her music that gives voice to black joy and black pain, to her activism that demands justice for black lives.
"And no matter how big the stages get, I know my girl isn't satisfied unless she's sharing all that shine she has with the next generation."
