Next up, songstress and mental health advocate Demi Lovato presented the Face Of Change award to Olympic track legend Allyson Felix, who shared a message in support of her advocacy of black maternal health after surviving a severe case of preeclampsia. “It is outrageous that today black women continue to die during childbirth, and one of those women was my teammate just last year, my US Olympic teammate, Tori Bowie, who passed away from complications giving birth,” Felix told Vogue. “We must continue pushing for policy change because it’s simply unacceptable. If we continue to let black women die during birth, it’s a choice—and we have the solution.”
Shortly after, Global WOTY honoree Pamela Anderson shared heartfelt encouragement with party-goers. “I just want to tell everyone: follow your dreams because your dreams are looking for you, too. Sometimes you just need a little patience,” said Anderson. “I’d like to say I’m the victor, not the victim, and you have to believe in yourself before others do usually.” Next, Taraji P. Henson spoke about the importance of community, having just presented to her dear friend Mary J. Blige (a 2023 WOTY honoree) the year prior. “A lot can happen in a year. Whether you’re on Wall Street, you’re an artist or an entertainer, I believe [talents] are bigger than one individual. When God gives you a gift, it’s for you to inspire and bless other people,” said Henson. Met with a standing ovation, abortion activists Hadley Duvall and Kaitlyn Joshua (best known for bravely sharing their stories at this year’s DNC) were applauded for their courage in advocating for reproductive rights and national access.
With a surprise message from honorees’ loved ones (including all the ultra-famous children of every honoree), the moms of the year took to the stage with another standing ovation from all in attendance. “The best job that I’ve ever had is being a mother. I’ve had the privilege of raising and helping to raise four daughters. My daughters have brought me such incredible joy and pride in my life far more than anything else. They are my crew, my tribe, my rocks, my ride or dies that have been right there by my side at the lowest points of my life. And they have cheered me on at the highest points of my life, making me feel like I could conquer anything you can,” Knowles told attendees (met with a “Because you can!” shouted from her daughter Beyoncé).
As festivities came to a close, the room transformed into an after-party, with party-goers dancing to a live set by DJ Hesta Prynn—with the iconic extra-heavy swag bags promised to be mailed to attendees!
