Beyonc praised the grace, brilliance and hard work of Michelle Obama, saying the former First Lady inspires all of us to do better and to be better in a short essay for Times annual 100 Most Influential People issue.
At the start of the essay, Beyonc recalled meeting Obama on the eve of Barack Obamas first inauguration, remembering how she was embraced by a warm, regal, confident woman who possessed a reassuring calm.
Loving Michelle Obama wasnt much of a choice, Beyonc said. It was something that came naturally, because of how she carried herself. Because she resembled us and was moving in spaces where, as black Americans, we werent exactly meant to be, she seemed so powerful.
For Beyonc, Obama projected a potent kind of familiarity The way she looked, walked and spoke, in that warm but authoritative tone, we saw our mothers and sisters while the pop star also noted her ability to be strong, ambitious and forthright without sacrificing honesty or empathy. Citing Obamas Reach Higher initiative, which promotes continuing education past high school, Beyonc said, She empowers all of us to interrogate our fears and surpass greatness.
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Im honored to know such a brilliant black woman whos spoken about the sacrifice it takes to balance her passions while remaining a supportive partner and mother, and now a best-selling author with Becoming, Beyonc continued. She has continued to open herself up, even if it meant being criticized. She has continued to be a portrait of grace.
Beyonc and her husband, Jay-Z, have been longtime supporters of the Obamas, especially during President Obamas 2012 reelection campaign (Beyonc even sang the National Anthem at his second inauguration). The Obamas, in turn, have been vocal fans of the two musicians, placing their songs on various public playlists. Last July, Michelle Obama was even spotted dancing with Beyoncs mother, Tina Knowles Lawson, at a Beyonc and Jay-Z show in Paris, France.
Along with publishing her essay on Obama today, Beyonc also released a new live album,Homecoming, to coincide with her new Netflix concert film.