Solange Knowles was presented with the prestigious 2018 Artist of the Year award from the Harvard Foundation at Harvard University on Saturday (March 3).
While onstage to accept her award, Solange didn’t shy away from opening up about her past, sharing her sometimes difficult journey from teen mother to successful artist.
“I was 17 when I became pregnant with my son Julez. At 18, he was a newborn and we were living in Moscow, Idaho, supporting his father’s dreams of playing football and getting an education,” said Solange. “My dreams were to write music and create work that could express the inner workings of my soul.” (People)
“I was content living in Idaho, with a GED education, writing for other artists and commercials,” she told the crowd. “I didn’t want to speak or feel worthy until I had something to say.”
Watch her full acceptance speech below:
