Solange Knowles is the recipient of the first-ever Lena Horne Prize for Artists Creating Social Impact.
During her acceptance speech on Friday, she highlighted the grave pain that sometimes spurns great art.
Artists are creators who grace the world with their works. Experts have said that music and art have some therapeutic effects, however, some artists create their best work in pain.
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Knowles’ award is the first major entertainment award to be named after a woman of color and its first honoree is also a woman of color.
According to People, the award-wining singer was honored with the award that recognizes her immense contributions to society at a ceremony in New York.
The award was established to celebrate celebrities who have devoted their work to the promotion of activism and social justice.
Her win comes just in time for her as she took the award on the one-year anniversary of her 2019 album, ‘When I Get Home’.
During her speech, we saw a more vulnerable Knowles open up about how a tumultuous last year served as the inspiration for her critically acclaimed album.
“This album marked a colossal pivot moment in my life that I’m still in the thick of the lessons today,” said Knowles, as she added that her fourth studio album was released at a time when her “life changed drastically.”
Last November, Knowles, in a rather emotionally revealing Instagram post, told the world about her separation from her husband, Alan Ferguson. The post and the touching statement that came with it have since been taken down from her timeline.
“So suddenly there came a great, great fear. Fear of the unknown, fear of trust, fear of love, fear of silence, fear of having to confront things and pain that I have buried too deep, deep inside,” explained Knowles in her speech.
“It was easy for me to show up and be the unstoppable woman for everyone else, but terrifying for me to be that woman for myself.”
The night couldn’t have ended without her thanking her close confidantes and topping the list was her mother, Tina Lawson. She talked about how her mother comforted and supported her during this pivotal moment in her life.
“My mother made me feel a little less afraid during those days and brought home to me. … My dear friends, all of which are here tonight.
“They lifted me so high with so much love and so much hope. Checking on me daily, coming over to my house just to lay and laugh with me,” said Knowles.
“This award means the absolute most to me because the love that I feel in this room feels just like the love of the people that I just named who held me.
“It is an extension of and feels like my mother and my sister’s and my friends’ love, the love that inspires me the most.
“I will hold this close and deep to my heart forever and ever. Gratitude doesn’t even seem like a large enough word.”
