Everyone Needs to Hear Beyoncé's Class of 2020 Speech

Queen Bey's commencement speech was more than just a "congratulations." She made sure to get important messages across that have to do with the current state of the country, and the world — empowering graduates to do what they can to make a change.

"You have arrived here in the middle of a global crisis, a racial pandemic and worldwide expression of outrage at the senseless killing of yet another unarmed Black human being. And you still made it. We're so proud of you," she said. "Thank you for using your collective voice and letting the world know that Black Lives Matter."

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The "Brown Skin Girl" singer continued, "The killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and so many others have left us all broken. It has left the entire country searching for answers. We've seen that our collective hearts when put to positive action can start the wheels of change. Real change has started with you."

She also called out the music industry for its sexism and lack of diversity. This, she shared, was why she decided to start her own company, Parkwood Entertainment. "Not enough Black women had a seat at the table, so I had to go and chop down that wood and build my own table," Bey said. "Then I had to invite the best there was to have a seat. That meant hiring women, men, outsiders, underdogs, people that were overlooked and waiting to be seen."

One of her most beautiful and most touching lines throughout was dedicated to all those who feel like outsiders. She said, "To all those who feel different if you're a part of a group that's called other, a group that does not get the chance to be center stage, build your own stage and make them see you. Your queerness is beautiful, your Blackness is beautiful."

And as her speech was coming to an end, Bey made sure to make a point about community and working together, citing the Black Lives Matter protests as an example. "Look what you've been able to do in the last 14 days," she said. "We've seen the power of the collective. We've seen what happens when we join for the same cause. Please, continue to be the voice for the voiceless."

Watch Beyoncé's full commencement address below.

Photo via Getty