As we’re coming to the end of 2016 and closer to Thanksgiving, it seems like the proper time to recognize some celebrities we’re thankful for! Similar to 2015, 2016 has been filled with injustice and tensions that these influential people are not afraid of speaking out about and against. Take a look at 6 celebrities that we’re thankful for this year.
Beyoncé
It’s no secret that many people look to an icon like Beyoncé. Although the artist is a force to be reckoned with on the stage, she also knows how to move her crowd and make a statement. This year after the deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, Beyoncé made sure to recognize all those who were slain due to police brutality. During the Formation Tour and after her performance of “Freedom,” she took the chance to honor these people by showing their names on a screen. The list started with the names Alton Sterling and Philando Castile and continued with others like Oscar Grant, Sandra Bland, and Freddie Gray. This was without a doubt one of the most powerful moments throughout the entire tour.
Jesse Williams
As if we didn’t love Jesse Williams enough already, when he appeared at the 2016 BET Awards in June, we couldn’t help but love and appreciate him even more. During his acceptance speech for the BET Humanitarian Award, Jesse Williams spoke on black women, police brutality, and the progression of black people. For a deeper look into his speech, check out our article “Highlights from Jesse William’s BET Awards Speech and How to Join the Movement.”
Kendrick Lamar
Any time Kendrick Lamar steps on stage for a performance, we immediately know that it’s going to be one to remember. When he stepped on to the Grammy stage in 2016, Lamar bound by chains and his setting was the scene of a prison. For his performance, he performed “The Blacker the Berry” and “Alright,” the first of which is a heavier song about how black people are viewed by society and feel towards it. The second is a more optimistic track that tells the listener that they, as well as Lamar, will be ‘alright.’
Solange Knowles
The Knowles family was definitely doing their thing in 2016. Recently, Solange Knowles dropped the album “A Seat at the Table.” Knowles was quick to receive positive reviews and accolades for the sound and meaning behind the tracks on the album. She used the killings in Baltimore and Ferguson as inspiration for the album’s first track “Rise.” Solange used this album as a way to speak to black women especially with tracks like “Don’t Touch My Hair” and the common ideas of self-peace and self-care.
The Obamas
Last, but certainly not least, we are thanking Barack and Michelle Obama. As their reign in the White House comes to an end, we can’t help but be thankful for the soon to be former POTUS and FLOTUS. Throughout their time in the White House, the Obamas have faced terrible comments and sentiments about them and their family. In the words on Michelle Obama from her 2016 DNC speech, “When they go low, we go high.” The grace that the Obamas have exemplified these past 8 years is unparalleled and they will surely be missed!
Lastly from Izzy&Liv, we want to thank all of our readers for supporting us! You guys are the real MVP!
