Beyonce: "Thank You Colin Kaepernick For Your Selfless Heart And Conviction"
They say if you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything.
When NFL star Colin Kaepernick first decided to take a knee during the National Anthem in silent protest of police brutality and social injustices, he probably would have never imagined the media coverage, backlash, and scrutiny it would cause, nor the overall effect it would have on his career in football.
Despite it all, Colin has stood firm in his beliefs and not only continued to kneel, but also donated over a million dollars to organizations working in oppressed communities. There hasn't been an athlete that has used his platform to speak out so boldly since Muhammad Ali, so it came as no surprise when Sports Illustrated announced it would be presenting Kaepernick with this year's Muhammad Ali Legacy Award.
The ceremony took place last night at the Barclay Center in New York, and Beyonce did the huge honors of presenting Kaepernick with the deserving award:
“Thank you for selfless heart and your conviction. Thank you for your personal sacrifice. Colin took action with no fear of consequence or repercussion. Only hope to change the world for the better. To change perception. To change the way we treat each other--especially people of color. We're still waiting for the world to catch up."
Kaepernick, who still remains unsigned by a team in the NFL, revealed during his speech that although he may not have the support of the league that he has given blood sweat, and tears to, he has the support of those that love and appreciate his bravery.
“I accept this award not for myself but on behalf of the people. Because if it were not for my love for the people I would not have had protested. And if it were not for the love of the people I would not be on this stage today. With or without the NFL's platform I will continue to work for the people--because my platform is the people."
Colin was also honored by GQ last month as they named him their GQ's Citizen of The Year. Since becoming one of the most prominent social activist in sports, he has received a ton of support from public figures and fellow athletes, including Lebron James who also compared him to Martin Luther King Jr.
“I've commended Kap, and for him to sacrifice everything for the greater good for everyone, for what he truly believed in, the utmost respect to him. Obviously he had a vision like Martin Luther King and like some of our all-time greats that people couldn't see further than what they were doing at the point and time. And Muhammad Ali and things of that nature. When it's something that's new and it's something that people are not educated about or don't understand what your beliefs are all about, people are so quick to judge and people are so quick to say that what you're doing is wrong. For him to sacrifice the sport that he plays and to sacrifice the things he's done his whole life because he knew what he believed in, I salute him. I salute and respect that.
We thank you, we support you and we appreciate you, Colin Kaepernick.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Rihanna Talks Shedding Expectations And Finding Balance As A Mother
Since becoming a mother in 2022, Rihanna has defined parenthood by her terms and hopes to pass that sense of autonomy on to her children.
For Vogue China’s April cover story, Rihanna shared her perspective on raising her two sons with A$AP Rocky, and how she hopes to preserve her children’s uniqueness, devoid of societal expectations.
"The most beautiful thing...is that [children] come into the world with their own individuality and sincerity, without any logic or conformity,” she told the publication. “Which usually makes you feel that you must fit into a certain group."
The “Work” artist, known for her trendsetting style and captivating persona, expressed her desire to support children in fully embracing their individuality and encouraging them to be whoever they want to be. "It's really beautiful to see and I want to continue to help them navigate that and make sure that they know they can be whoever they want to be,” she says.
She continues, “They should embrace it completely, because it's beautiful, and it's unique. I love them just that way."
From shattering music charts to shaking up the beauty industry, Rihanna has forged a path that has since created the “dream” life we see today. One that she says has made her parents proud of.
“I’m living my dream,” she continued. “My parents were very proud of that because they just wanted me to be happy and successful. So, I think the key thing is to find some kind of balance. Yes, balance is important. Do this and you get the best of both worlds. You can write your own life the way you want, and it will be beautiful. Sometimes, you just need to let go of everyone’s expectations and start living your own story.”
Rihanna, who shares sons, RZA, 23 months, and Riot, 8 months, with rapper A$AP Rocky, recently shared her vision for expanding her family in the future in Interview Magazine.
When stylist Mel Ottenberg asked about the number of additional children she hoped to have, Rihanna replied, "As many as God wants me to have.”
"I don't know what God wants, but I would go for more than two. I would try for my girl,” she adds. “But of course, if it's another boy, it's another boy."
Featured image by Neil MockfordWireImage