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It’s not every day that Beyoncé makes an appearance at an awards show where she isn’t nominated, but last night’s Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year ceremony was special. The superstar was on hand to present Colin Kaepernick with the Muhammad Ali Legacy Award for his activism against police brutality, an honor that has been bestowed on icons such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson in the past. Surprising the audience with a speech paying tribute to Kaepernick’s fearlessness, she emerged onstage midway through the event in a black and silver striped mini-dress by LaQuan Smith accented by glossy Giuseppe Zanotti sandals and chandelier earrings.
Beyoncé thanked Kaepernick for his “selfless heart” and personal sacrifice and used her speech to highlight the fact that racism and injustice remain prevalent issues. In choosing to wear a design by Smith, a talented black emerging designer who she has supported over the years, she showed solidarity with the trail-blazing athlete in her wardrobe too. Indeed, her decision to wear the right look at the right moment spoke volumes.
Watch: Beyoncé Made a Video at the September Issue Cover Shoot: