In the wake of Beyoncé’s trailblazing ‘Cowboy Carter’ album, I hope we’re reminded that the power of influence isn’t reserved for the few. It’s the force that each of us wields when we channel our passions into action. In fields like fashion, business, and education, there’s room for our voices to not only echo but resonate with authority and authenticity.

Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ is a masterclass in wielding influence to redefine genres and uplift hidden narratives. It’s a powerful homage to black country artists, a group whose contributions have long been overshadowed. This project goes beyond music; it’s a reclaiming of space, with Levi’s astutely recognizing the cultural shift, adopting her song title as their social media handle in a nod to the change she embodies.

In her artistry, Beyoncé seamlessly crosses genres, challenging the status quo. Her use of the American flag is not as patriotic as I originally thought —it represents a bold statement that black and brown people have been integral architects of this nation from the beginning. The flag, the very symbol of our country, has been sewn into the fabric of its creation by those it once oppressed (and continues). To me, Beyoncé’s message is clear: the roots of American culture, music, and community are deeply entwined with the black experience.

Don’t miss this. Beyoncé is amazing, hands down. But I believe she’s continuing to figure it out. Our influence can disrupt norms, and our creativity can pay tribute to the giants upon whose shoulders we stand. We’re not just part of history—we’re active creators, connecting the dots between the past and a future that’s ours to shape. As we infiltrate spaces where diversity is sparse, we bring richness and depth, transforming them from the inside out.

The legacies we admire were built by individuals who dared to think differently. They thrived outside the box and so can we. It’s about leveraging our unique perspectives to build bridges where walls once stood, honoring our heritage while forging a new, inclusive path forward.

In our ventures—whether in fashion, real estate, corporate, or entrepreneurship—let us take a page from her book. We can leverage our platforms to spotlight the richness of diversity and build businesses that are inclusive and cognizant of our shared history. It’s time we (and the world) embrace black heritage, influencing industries and narratives, just as Beyoncé does—declaring that we are an indelible part of this country’s past, present, and future.

We stand at the crossroads of history and innovation, where our actions today forge the legacy of tomorrow. Let’s be the architects of change, the storytellers of our era, and the pioneers of an inclusive future. Let’s connect and expand our collective impact. Because when we come together, the narrative is ours to rewrite.