President Barack Obama gave Beyonce a shout out while speaking with students at their commencement at Howard University in Washington, D.C.
Obama spoke to graduates about the many strides made by African-Americans over the past few years: “When I was a graduating, the main black hero on TV was Mr. T. Rap and hip-hop were counter-culture, underground,” he said to students at the historically black college. “Now Shonda Rhimes owns Thursday night and Beyonce runs the world.”;
Obama and Beyonce reportedly have a close friendship, and Queen Bey performed at both of his presidential inaugurations.
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During his speech, the president elaborated on his statements, adding that black people have broken through into the upper echelons of society: “We’re producers, studio executives. We’re no longer small-business owners. We’re CEOs. We’re mayors, representatives.”
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Which is not to say, however, that there’s not a lot of work still to be done: “I’m not saying gaps do not persist,”; he added. “Obviously, they do. Racism persists, inequality persists.”
A key point of Obama’s presentation was to motivate the graduates in attendance: “America needs you to gladly, happily take up that work,”; he explained. “So enjoy the party, because you’re going to be busy.”
At the ceremony, Obama was also honoured with an honourary Doctorate in Science.
