Beyoncé Breaks Silence On Being Given The Keys To Santa Clara: 'I Am The Mayor, So Honored'
By Fiyin Olowokandi on September 1, 2023 at 9:00 PM EDT
Queen Beyoncé will not forget August 30, 2023, anytime soon!
Throughout the singer’s career, she has been bestowed with several accolades for her outstanding work. With 32 Grammy Awards, 29 MTV Video Music Awards, and 27 Billboard Music Awards in her bag, the singer still gets more accolades.
As her Renaissance World Tour, which kicked off in May, hit the city of Santa Clara on August 30, the songwriter received a significant tribute. She was crowned Mayor of the town!
Upon receiving the honor, the “Xo” singer told her fans how she felt about the achievement, saying she was “honored.”
Beyoncé Feels Honored To Be Mayor Of Santa Clara For A Day
Queen Bey took over Santa Clara with her breathtaking performance at Levi’s Stadium. The pop sensation, being both the performer and the Mayor of the city, left the Beyhive buzzing with excitement, and the “Irreplaceable” hitmaker felt the same excitement.
As seen in the video shared by a fan on Twitter, the Grammy winner expressed her excitement and gratitude to be given the keys to the city. For her appearance, the “Halo” hitmaker stuck to a dazzling theme, donning a short black sparkly dress and matching sparkly platform heels. The stylish custom ensemble was accessorized with a sparkly red scarf.
Before giving fans a packed performance, the “Heated” hitmaker addressed the buzzing crowd. “I am so excited; I am so honored to be on this stage,” the 41-year-old pop sensation said, beaming. “And all these faces are so beautiful. You know today is so special because today, I am the Mayor. I am honored, thank you.”
Beyonce continued with a heartfelt appreciation for her fans. She expressed, “This is my gratitude, too; I don’t take any of this for granted. After 25 years, I am still able to do what I love, and it is because of your loyalty and your prayers.”
Ahead of the show, Santa Clara City Council declared the “Cuff It” hitmaker the city’s Mayor and gave her the key to the city. The key to the city was handed over to Beyoncé's publicist, Yvette Noel-Schure, on her behalf.
Santa Clara spokesperson Michelle Templeton spoke about the city’s joy of having the singer. She said, “The city of Santa Clara is excited about Beyonce’s upcoming visit to the world-renowned Levi’s Stadium. Her concerts will certainly bring a great deal of energy and excitement.”
“I am.. the mayor” Beyoncé is HILARIOUS 😭😭❤️ pic.twitter.com/g27DA9P0ie
— Yoncé Vocals (@YonceVocals) August 31, 2023
In the proclamation to make Beyonce the honorary mayor, which carried Mayor Lisa Gillmor’s name, Beyoncé’s achievements and influence were lauded.
It read that the pop sensation “has had a tremendous cultural impact as one of the most influential pop culture figures, and attaining wide success with the R&B group Destiny’s Child, Beyonce (also) broke out on her own as a solo artist.”
The ‘Irreplaceable’ Singer And Kelly Rowland Teamed Up To Build Houses For The Homeless In Houston, Texas
Beyoncé's impact on cities isn't only limited to her legendary talent but also her philanthropic acts. The “Drunk In Love” singer performed significant deeds in her hometown, Houston, Texas. Per The Blast, the “Break My Soul” songstress and her former band member Kelly Rowland teamed up to help combat the housing problem in Houston.
Harris County officials announced that the county would join forces with the former Destiny's Child members to create 31 permanent housing units for unhoused people in the area. The initiative is set to use $7.2 million in American Rescue Plan funds to build the complex.
Additionally, the new permanent housing project — called the Knowles-Rowland House — will have case managers, peer specialists, service specialists, and support services, like transportation, mental health, physical and behavioral health support.
In a press conference, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo praised the joint efforts of local officials and the Coalition for the Homeless in reducing homelessness in the area by 20%. Hidalgo shared that a “bigger launch” will happen in September, which coincides with when the “Church Girl” hitmaker will grace the town for her tour performance.
Hidalgo also highlighted the Ivy Park founder and Rowland’s involvement in the project. In her words,
“We just did the homeless count again, so it’s initiatives like this one I certainly will be supportive of it no matter whose behind it, but it’s especially interesting, I think, because there are these names of Beyonce and Kelly Rowland, who, of course, have been supportive of the community for a very long time.”