Kamala Harris’s 2024 presidential campaign got an unexpected and electrifying boost from Beyoncé on its first official day.
On Monday, July 22, Harris entered her campaign headquarters to the powerful sounds of Beyoncé’s 2016 anthem “Freedom,” signaling a unique and culturally significant endorsement from the music icon.
Beyoncé’s decision to allow Harris to use “Freedom” is notable given the singer’s typically cautious approach to licensing her music. The Grammy-nominated song, featuring Kendrick Lamar, became an anthem during the nationwide protests following the May 2020 murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers. Its themes of resilience and liberation resonate deeply with many, making it a powerful soundtrack for Harris’s campaign.
The approval came just hours before Harris’s first official campaign event. Although neither Beyoncé nor her representatives commented publicly, the quick permission hinted at Beyoncé’s support for Harris’s presidential bid. This silent endorsement speaks volumes, especially considering Beyoncé’s influential status and her past support for Democratic candidates.
Beyoncé has a history of politically significant performances and endorsements. She sang the National Anthem at Barack Obama’s inauguration in 2013, headlined a pre-election show for Hillary Clinton in 2016, and endorsed the Biden-Harris ticket in 2020. Her support for Harris, even if not explicitly stated, adds a powerful cultural endorsement to the campaign.
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Adding to the star power, Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles, publicly supported Harris. Knowles praised Harris’s leadership and thanked President Biden for his service, adding a personal touch to the endorsement.
Kamala Harris’s campaign launch was already historic, raising more than $81 million in the first 24 hours and attracting over 28,000 new volunteers in key swing states. The enthusiastic response from the Democratic base was evident, but Beyoncé’s involvement added a significant cultural dimension to the campaign’s energy.
