Famous Philanthropists - Beyoncé

Beyoncé.

Few names evoke images of power, talent and influence. Beyoncé, a multi-talented artist who performs to sold-out stadiums, creates chart-topping hits and breaks into various music genres with her incredible talents is a force to be reckoned with.

Beyond her incredible ability to dazzle on the stage, Beyoncé is a phenomenal force for good.

Crazy in Love with Creating Change

Even before she became a household name, Beyoncé had been using her voice and platform to create social change in her hometown of Houston and across the country in various areas that she is passionate about. In 2013, she founded her nonprofit, the BEYGood Foundation, an organization dedicated to creating economic equity by supporting organizations that serve marginalized and underserved communities. 

Through this incredible organization, Beyoncé serves others in key areas that she is passionate about:

1. Supporting entrepreneurship, a key driver in creating sustainable economic equity

3. Assisting people facing economic disparity

BEYGood is a force of tangible change in communities around the world. Because Beyoncé uses her 3Ts to help her mission come to life through her foundation, she shows the world that while her ability to top the charts is unstoppable, her desire to make a difference matters most.

Runs the World - with Kindness

Beyoncé has hundreds of millions of fans across the globe who love not only her endless artistic talents but also for her heart for helping others. And with her incredible influence and following, Queen Bey can inspire these raving fans to find their own passions for giving back.

How can you bring the power of Beyoncé's philanthropy into your classroom?

1. Start with the Music:

• Play empowering anthems like "Run the World (Girls)" or "Freedom" to spark discussions about social justice and making a difference.
• Explore the themes of education and opportunity in songs like "Flawless."
• Have students research an artist they admire and create a presentation on their philanthropic work.

2. Project-Based Learning with a Purpose:

• BeyGOOD Challenge: Divide students into groups and assign them a real-world issue tackled by BeyGOOD (e.g., hunger, education inequality). Challenge them to research the issue and brainstorm solutions, culminating in a presentation or fundraising campaign proposal.
• Local Hero Project: Encourage students to research local heroes in their community who are making a difference. This could be a community leader, volunteer, or even a local business owner with a social mission.
• "Change Starts Small" Campaign: Inspired by Beyoncé's support for various causes, have students identify small, everyday actions that create a positive social or environmental impact. They can create posters, presentations, or even a social media campaign to spread awareness.

3. Connecting the Dots:

• Discuss the concept of privilege and how successful people like Beyoncé can use their platform for good.
• Explore the importance of education in creating positive change. Use Beyoncé's support for scholarships as a springboard.
• Emphasize that giving back doesn't require immense wealth. Encourage students to find ways to volunteer their time or talents in their community.

4. Role Models Matter:

• Showcase Beyoncé's philanthropic work through age-appropriate videos, articles, or interviews. Highlight specific initiatives that resonate with your students' interests.
• Discuss the importance of identifying causes they care about, just like Beyoncé has with education and her hometown of Houston.

Be a Philanthropy Superstar

Beyoncé is an incredible example of how superstars can use their platform and their resources to create a long-lasting, positive impact in the world. But you don't have to be Beyoncé to make a difference. Simply by starting where you are, with what you have, you are a superstar philanthropist. We all have the ability to be a part of something bigger, creating a better and brighter world. So, let's get out there, be the change we want to see, and show the world what our own philanthropic power can achieve!