Photo credit: Sky Cinema / Shutterstock.com

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic which meant that things were a little bit different this year, last night’s BET Awards were actually one of the most memorable in history.

And one of the many highlights was when Michelle Obama presented Beyoncé with the Humanitarian of Year Award!

“I am here to talk about The Queen, you know the one,” the former First Lady said in a video presentation.

“Ever since she was a little girl in Houston, Beyoncé Knowles Carter has been lighting up the stages and gracing the world with her talent, with her generosity of spirit and with her love for her community.

“You can see it in everything she does. From her music that gives voice to Black joy and Black pain, to her activism that demands justice for Black Lives.

“And no matter how big the stages get, I know my girl isn’t satisfied unless she’s sharing all that shine she has with the next generation.”

The video went on to highlight some of Beyoncé’s humanitarian work over the years, which includes organizing college and university scholarships for students, launching COVID-19 testing initiatives for the Black community, and working with low-income housing initiatives.

And of course, who can forget the BeyGOOD Black Business Impact Fund, which was recently launched to support Black owned businesses.

“To my girl, I just want to say, you inspire me,” Michelle Obama concluded.

“You inspire all of us. Congratulations girl, love you so much.”

In her acceptance video, Beyoncé dedicated the award to all of her “brothers” and “sisters”, and also called the honor of receiving the accolade, “beautiful”.

“I want to dedicate this award to all of my brothers out there, all of my sisters out there inspiring me, marching and fighting for change. Your voices are being heard,” Beyoncé said as part of her acceptance speech.

“And you’re proving to our ancestors that their struggles were not in vain.”

She then finished up by encouraging everyone to vote, in order “to be the change we want to see”…

“I’m encouraging you to continue to take action, continue to work to change a racist and unequal system. We have to continue to do this together,” she added.

“We have to vote like our life depends on it, because it does. So please continue to be the change we want to see.”

Congratulations, Beyoncé!