Solange Knowles has stayed true to herself throughout the course of her success. Since the release of her album “A Seat At The Table,” she has received many respectable accolades for her consistent creativity.
Last night, she was honored at the 70th Annual Parsons Benefit, which acknowledged Knowles for her “commitment to supporting future generations of designers and creating opportunities for inclusivity in design, entertainment, and fashion.”
And of course Solange opted to wear an ensemble by a Black designer. The sexy all-black getup was crafted by a Parsons graduate named Shanel Campbell, who’s collection is called SHVNY. Knowles called the budding designer “pop’n” and we’d have to agree.
During her acceptance speech, she remarked “…the exceptional talent that the New School and Parsons has fostered and sent out into the world to do such incredible work. Students like Shanel Campbell – who I’m wearing tonight – who are truly continuing to shape and mold the way that we see the world being unafraid, disruptive, working through circumstances, and pressures and fears unknown to us and leading the way as new faces in fashion, music, art, and design.”
Ms. Knowles’ originality was also recognized by some of hip-hop and R&B’s greatest musicians, who couldn’t let the evening past without sharing a few words.
Erykah Badu sung a snippet of God Bless the Child by Billie Holiday to Solange, which simply says “Them that’s got shall have, them that’s not shall lose, so the Bible said and it still is news. Mama may have. Papa may have but God bless the child that’s got [her] own. That’s got [her] own.” Badu continues by telling Knowles, “and you’ve got your own.”
Missy Elliot expressed her pride in Solange and congratulated her by saying, “You are so deserving of this award. You’ve always been raw, you’ve always been real, you’ve always been authentic, you’ve always been bold, fierce, and loving. “
Pharrell shared with Knowles, “What you do for women of color – what you do for women – but what you do for women of color is unmatched. And, I applaud you to keep going. Not only do we appreciate it and need it, it’s fun and we love it. So keep going. Congratulations!”
Vince Staples presented Solange with the award, while close friends such as LaLa Anthony, Kelela, and Dev Hynes, of the songstress, looked on.
She closed her speech with a simple reminder, “And to black women everywhere you do what you want when you popping.” It’s obvious that Solo lives by those words. She is what we deem popping, and her success came from her doing exactly whatever she wants to do.