CULTURE

The Weeknd and H.E.R Honored With Quincy Jones Humanitarian Award

It’s no secret that The Weeknd and H.E.R are known for their outstanding music and creative visuals. Recently, the two were awarded for something that we can all applaud; they were honored with the Quincy Jones Humanitarian Award for all of the fantastic work they have done throughout the past year.
Christopher Polk / Leonardo Volcy

It’s no secret that The Weeknd and H.E.R are known for their outstanding music and creative visuals. Recently, the two were awarded for something that we can all applaud; they were honored with the Quincy Jones Humanitarian Award for all of the fantastic work they have done throughout the past year.

At the first Black Music Action Coalition Music in Action Awards, musicians, entrepreneurs, activists, and many others were honored for their contribution to social justice and equity issues.

H.E.R made significant moves with her song, “I Can’t Breathe,” which she wrote in response to the spree of police brutality. Although H.E.R was not in attendance, in her video package, she stated, “she was proud to be part of this new generation speaking up and standing up.”
Leonardo Volcy/Amazon Prime Video

H.E.R made significant moves with her song, “I Can’t Breathe,” which she wrote in response to the spree of police brutality. Although H.E.R was not in attendance, in her video package, she stated, “she was proud to be part of this new generation speaking up and standing up.”

Walter Jones accepted the award on her behalf and made it a point to mention that, “She seizes the opportunity to be heard, and she takes that seriously.”

The co-recipient of the award went to none other than The Weeknd, also known as Abel Tesfaye. He was recognized for his support of various charities to which he donated millions within the past year.
Christopher Polk/NBC

The co-recipient of the award went to none other than The Weeknd, also known as Abel Tesfaye. He was recognized for his support of various charities to which he donated millions within the past year.

The “Blinding Lights” singer got emotional as he looked back on his first encounter with Quincy Jones. In short, The Weeknd was nearly starstruck by seeing Jones while The Weeknd’s fans were starstruck looking at him. Jones told Tesfaye, “Go take pictures, sign autographs, and I’ll still be here waiting. They’re more important.”

Tesfaye went on to say, “He was teaching me that nothing is more important than people and giving back. This is the best award I’ve ever gotten in my life, I swear. I won’t take this for granted.”

Huge shout out to these artists, and may they continue to do the brilliant work they have started. You can check out the complete list of recipients here.