Beyonce Honored at 3rd Annual Women Doing Good Awards – Beyonce who was awarded the 3rd Annual Women Doing Good Awards is also the cover girl of the September 2010 issue of Self Magazine. The mag picked her for the following reasons:
The singer gave away her entire salary from her 2008 movie Cadillac Records to Phoenix House, which is a drug and alcohol treatment center.
The star was so inspired by the film that she opened her own charity called the Beyoncé Cosmetology Center which provides job opportunities for former addicts.
Additionally Mrs Carter is the spokeswoman for Girls Educational & Mentoring Services (GEMS), an organization that aids young women who have been victims of sex trafficking.
She also runs The Survivor Foundation with Kelly Rowland which was created in 2005 to help disaster victims after Katrina destroyed Louisiana.
Here are the highlights on her interview with the mag:
On her charity work stemming from when she was growing up in Houston, going to church with her family:
“Pastor Rudy is still my pastor. I watched my parents get involved in [community charities] there, and that taught me how important it is to ‘give ’til it hurts.’ I saw how happy you could make people, whether just giving someone a hug, having a conversation or spending some time, and it became a part of me.I’ve always felt that you should give because it’s what you can do to help. You don’t do it to get praised. For a long time, being quiet about what I did was a conscious decision.When you look around at all that’s wrong in the world, the need to do something, no matter how big or how small, is clear.”
On why is she speaking up about all this now:
“I’ve realized that sometimes it helps a cause more if I talk publicly about it. That’s what increases awareness.”
On what motivates her:
“Sisterhood means everything to me. All the charities I’m involved with are special, but I find any organization that focuses on women and children really motivating. GEMS and the young ladies the nonprofit helps are very close to my heart. And what I took away from the clients at Phoenix House changed my life. These were real people who touched me so much that I had to go beyond making a donation. They’re gaining skills at the Cosmetology Center, which will help them earn a living and find their way out of substance abuse-it’s a testament to the possibility of second chances.”
On who inspires her:
“My mother, Tina Knowles. She’s an incredibly loving person who is the first to make time for others.”
On her proudest accomplishment:
“Singing “At Last” for President Barack Obama on his inauguration night was a personal accomplishment for me, both as a performer and an American.”
On her recharge routine:
“I love going to dinners, seeing plays, visiting museums and spending time with family and friends. I know it’s time to jump back into my work when everything I do starts inspiring lyrics and melodies and I can’t keep myself out of the studio.”
On one place in her life she’s not a perfectionist:
“I promise I’m working on this, but I could be less messy at home and keep the clothes in my closet and off the floor!”
On how anyone can make a difference:
“Think about what truly touches you and motivates you to help, then start locally. Once it’s in your heart to give, you’ll have to follow through. I am a happy woman-very happy-because I know that I’ve worked hard, and I love being able to give back.”
I love the realness of Beyonce’ interview displayed in this article. I too believe deeply the importants of sisterhood. Women are the neck of this universe. We give of our whole self,sometime leaving nothing for ourselves. Given the key to open doors for other will keep the world balanced. My hat goes off to you Beyonce’ for the heart that blood truely flows. Check out NexusAfricana.org to the world of Black History. We are in process of building a team of supporters to help launch this wonderful knowledge base website for black studies. Filling schools,homes,libraries and worlwide information,articles,documents of our past, present and future history. We are calling out to all the light skinned,Olive skiinned, golden skinned, brown skinned to help see this burst. We are conducting a Donation Drive, With the contribution of your gift Black History will be spoken at the dinner tables, in the classrooms, on the block, and also in the entire world. NexusAfricana.org will be at your Fingertips.
God bless you Beyonce. Our Lord said it is better to give than to receive. Jesus says, “Give and it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down, and running over shall men give unto your bossom. You are truly storing up blessing not only on earth, but in heaven too. You are storing up blessing for your children, your children’s childrens and all generations.
May Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ continue to bless and prosper you in everything your hand touch.
Through the grace and love our Lord has bestowed upon you, you are truly an inspiration.