BEYONCE'S HERITAGE
When rumors surfaced last week that Beyoncé had recruited Tyler Mitchell, a 23-year-old photographer to shoot her "Vogue" cover for its prestigious September issue, I teared up. I know that you did too. He became the first black photographer to shoot a cover in the magazine's 126-year history! Beyoncé did not grant the issue an interview but instead narrates an emotional essay that not only reveals how strong she is but also how inspirational she is. She announced that she had an emergency C-section and how supportive her husband was. She expressed her dreams and hopes for her children and most importantly, her hopes for the world.
Photo Credit: Tyler Mitchell/Vogue
"I was 218 pounds the day I gave birth to Rumi and Sir. I was swollen from toxemia and had been on bed rest for over a month. My health and my babies’ health were in danger, so I had an emergency C-section. We spent many weeks in the NICU. My husband was a soldier and such a strong support system for me. I am proud to have been a witness to his strength and evolution as a man, a best friend, and a father. I was in survival mode and did not grasp it all until months later. Today I have a connection to any parent who has been through such an experience."
Read her essay here.