Beyoncé made a highly awaited appearance alongside Vice President Kamala Harris at a rally in Houston on Friday. The singer was introduced by her mother, Tina Knowles, and was joined onstage by her former Destiny’s Child bandmate, Kelly Rowland. Earlier in the evening, country music legend Willie Nelson also performed.
“We are standing on the edge of a significant change,” Beyoncé told the crowd. “I’m not here as a celebrity or a politician. I’m here as a mother—one who cares deeply about the world our children are growing up in. A world where we have the freedom to make choices about our bodies, and where we are united, not divided, in shaping our past, present, and future.”
She urged the audience to take action, saying, “We are all part of something much bigger. We must vote, and we need you. Let’s make this happen. Please welcome, with a big, loud Texas cheer, the next president of the United States, Kamala Harris.”
During her speech, Vice President Harris emphasized the importance of reproductive rights, stating, “In America, freedom isn’t something that’s granted or bestowed. It’s something that belongs to us by right. And that includes a woman’s fundamental freedom to make choices about her own body without government interference.”
Harris also committed to signing legislation that would restore reproductive freedom when passed by Congress.
Before Beyoncé’s appearance, Kelly Rowland addressed the crowd, saying, “We are writing a new American story rooted in kindness and hope.”
Tina Knowles, speaking to her hometown audience, expressed her gratitude, saying, “You showed up and showed out.” She added humorously, “I’ve been blessed to have many careers and many Black jobs in my life.”