Beyoncé Gave Kamala Harris Permission To Use ‘Freedom’ As Campaign Song

Source: The Washington Post / Getty

Women supporting supporting is always a good look. When those women are Kamala Harris and Beyoncé, there’s even more reason to celebrate. When the vice-president turned presumptive Democratic presidential nominee made her first campaign speech in Wilmington, Delaware on Tuesday, she entered to the sounds of Beyoncé’s song, “Freedom.”

CNN reports that Beyoncé approved the use of the song.

The collaboration with Kendrick Lamar is the tenth track on her 2016 album Lemonade. The acclaimed album includes “Formation,” along with a 65-minute film that was initially aired on HBO.

Lemonade earned Beyoncé two Grammys for Best Urban Contemporary Album and Best Music Video in 2017. “Formation” is Beyoncé’s most openly socially conscious song and is viewed along with the album as an ode to the strength of Black women and a statement of support for social justice.

In one of the BET Awards’ memorable opening moments, Beyoncé performed “Freedom” with Lamar at the 2016 ceremony on a stage that included fire and water.

Though Beyoncé has made no public comments about Harris’ candidacy, she has supported Democratic candidates before. She and her husband, Jay-Z campaigned for Barack Obama and she performed at both of his inaugurations. Beyoncé performed at a Hillary Clinton fundraiser and endorsed the Biden/Harris ticket in 2020.

Written by Beyoncé and Lamar, along with seven other writers, “Freedom” details the complexities of living while Black in America.

I’m a wade, I’m a wade through the waters
Tell the tide, “Don’t move”
I’m a riot, I’m a riot through your borders
Call me bulletproof

After releasing Cowboy Carter earlier this year, Beyoncé has been mostly quiet, releasing no further singles after “Texas Hold ‘Em” went  #1 on the country charts, making her the first Black woman to achieve the honor. She released her Cécred hair line in February.

Harris officially kicked off her campaign in Milwaukee on Tuesday. Her speech closed with the playing of “Freedom.”

See how social media is reacting to the campaign song choice below.