There are few artists today who have strongly promoted the message of female empowerment for the entirety of their musical careers. This is what makes Beyoncé an icon. Her mark on the world is evident in the thousands of women she has helped feel seen through her powerful lyrics, business savvy and artistry.
She's one of the only artists in recent memory who has stuck to one solid message for her entire career. No matter what album you listen to, you'll hear Queen Bey singing about female empowerment. It's just varied in how she's portrayed that message.
In "Independent Women," you hear the young Bey and the rest of Destiny's Child celebrating women who fund their lives entirely on their own. In "If I Were A Boy," she highlights the unfair double standards women experience in their romantic lives. In "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)," she promotes the value of knowing your worth in the midst of a breakup.
In "Run The World (Girls)," she provides an anthem to women, telling the world who's really in charge. In "***Flawless," she (along with Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie) boldly tells the world a woman's empire has nothing to do with her husband, and that it's a mistake to discount any person based on gender.
And in her sixth studio album, Lemonade, she speaks to the strength of women who have experienced infidelity, recognizes the truth of that unique pain and came out on the other side stronger than before. Lemonade also gives a powerful, unprecedented voice to black women who are too often misrepresented.
Just like every woman in the world, Beyoncé's definition of empowerment grew up along with her. She uses her platform to promote equality, independence, fierce work ethic, self-love and commitment, and we take notes.
Millennials grew up listening to Beyoncé's message, and it's not a message we'll soon forget. So, we asked Elite Daily employees to tell us what Beyoncé and her inimitable career has taught them.
Your voice is your power.
Be strong in the face of adversity.
Be unapologetically yourself.
Speak up for those who have been silenced.
Equality is for everyone.
Only you can define yourself.
Independence is everything.
Your personal privacy is a priority.
Never doubt a woman with a goal.
