Beyoncé Legacy of Empowerment: Franklin Ward, who owned FRWD Style, a wedding and event planning service for Black same-sex couples, faced an unknown future because of the epidemic shutdowns. In the event planning business in Chicago, he struggled with phony syndrome and questioned his place in the field.
But everything changed when an unexpected invitation to Beyoncé Knowles-Carter’s BeyGood organization’s “Black Parade Route” dinner came in the mail.
Ward appreciated lunch with over one hundred local entrepreneurs who owned small businesses. He didn’t know he’d be one of 10 people receiving a business award worth $10,000 from Beyoncé. The foundation is committing $1 million to support 1,000 small enterprises in various cities.
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For Ward, the grant wasn’t just about money. It endorsed his work and reminded him of his purpose. He left the luncheon feeling energized and inspired. He plans to use the grant money to improve the company’s website, enhance marketing efforts, and boost social media presence.
Besides Ward, several enterprises with unique goals have received grants. Monica Abernathy, owner of A Polished Work nail salon, plans to expand her brand’s e-commerce and digital presence soon. She can overcome post-pandemic issues with the grant’s help, which will also support community projects.
LaToya Hinton-Howery, CEO and research director of Next Innovative Clinical Research, aims to increase participation of communities of color in clinical studies. Thanks to the grant, she can expand her work by setting up a physical location in Chicago.
Grant recipients share the same sentiment, besides financial support. They left the luncheon feeling empowered, inspired, and reminded of their resilience in the face of adversity.
Beyoncé’s foundation has been a crucial financial lifeline and source of motivation for these business owners. As they pursue their goals, they believe nothing can stop them and redemption is always within reach.
Our Reader’s Queries
What was Beyoncé’s legacy?
Beyoncé has an impressive 28 GRAMMY wins, setting the record for the most GRAMMYs won by a woman. Her dedication to uplifting and celebrating the Black community is a defining part of her legacy. This goes beyond her empowering songs and extends to her public statements and art.
How does Beyoncé empower?
She sings powerful songs that inspire women to embrace their inner strength, independence, and self-love, while fearlessly pursuing their dreams. Her music weaves together stories that empower and uplift women from diverse backgrounds.
What important things did Beyoncé accomplish?
Beyoncé, an American singer, songwriter, actress, and entrepreneur, holds the record for the most MTV Video Music Awards, with a total of 29 wins. She is also the top honoree at the BET Awards, NAACP Image Awards, and the Soul Train Awards.
What is Beyoncé remembered for?
Beyoncé rose to fame in the late 1990s as the frontwoman of the R&B group Destiny’s Child. She later found massive success as a solo artist, releasing hit albums like Dangerously in Love (2003), B’Day (2006), I Am Sasha Fierce (2008), 4 (2011), Beyoncé (2013), and Lemonade (2016).