Photo courtesy of LARRY BUSACCA/PW VIA GETTY IMAGES
Time and time again, Beyoncé has proven she’s more than an international superstar; she’s an activist and fighter for social justice. From her generous monetary donations to the thousands affected by the Flint water crisis to her and her husband, Jay Z, bailing Baltimore and Ferguson protesters out of jail.
Her latest move comes in the form of a short, but powerful message posted to her website Thursday afternoon. In it, the Houston songstress make reference to the recent killings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, two Black men gunned down by police.
“We are sick and tired of the killings of young men and women in our communities,” Beyoncé wrote. “It is up to us to take a stand and demand that they ‘stop killing us.’”
The singer goes on to urge citizens to stand up against anyone who condones or makes excuses for the acts of violence committed by “those who are sworn to protect us.” She asserts that not only are we fighting for people of color, but the next generation of young men and women.
“This is a human fight,” Beyoncé continued. “No matter your race, gender, or sexual orientation. This is a fight for anyone who feels marginalized, who is struggling for freedom and human rights.”
A link to her empowering statement was posted on social media and subsequently spread like wildfire. Twitter users praised the “Formation” singer for speaking out against police brutality and using her platform to bring awareness to the harrowing issue.
I will love/preach Beyoncé's statement against police violence until the day I die
— stacy's mom (@fishhh06) July 7, 2016
I love the formulation of Beyonce's statement. Reminds me of Jesse's. Its active. "What we're gonna do" "What we're not gonna do"
— Ioneenknoyo (@DubJ) July 7, 2016
Every body knows I'm not a fan a Beyonce but this is the only thing to come out her mouth that I fully agree with https://t.co/9LbQNqZUoK
— Debah Dukes (@Its_Debah) July 7, 2016
In addition to her open letter, Yoncé let the world know enough was enough as she paused for a moment of silence during a performance in Glasgow, Scotland to honor the many victims of police brutality. The names of those killed at the hands of police lit up behind her on a gargantuan screen in bright pink letters.
Beyoncé singing Freedom acapella in honor of victims of police brutality while displaying their names. A STATEMENT. pic.twitter.com/4AtH6UlCyy
— ️ (@goddessyonce) July 7, 2016
Beyoncé paused her show tonight to show the names of the victims of police brutality pic.twitter.com/NY8O9Llltn
— FREDDY (@FreddyAmazin) July 7, 2016
Beyoncé's tribute to the police brutality victims tonight was so moving ??
— Trevyn (@trevynronald) July 7, 2016
“We all have the power to channel our anger into action,” the singer’s message concludes. “We must use our voices to contact the politicians and legislators in our districts and demand social and judicial changes.”
