Janelle Monáe Celebrates Female Empowerment at #FemTheFuture Brunch

Janelle Monáe aims to empower. Hosting the inaugural #FemTheFuture brunch during last month’s Afropunk Festival in Brooklyn, the “Tightrope” songstress delivered an impassioned speech about equality and unity.

“Fem the Future is a grassroots movement led by progressive millennials working together to advance the awareness, inclusion, and opportunities for women and those who identify as women through music, arts, mentorship, and education,” she explained. “We are here and we are ready for our collective voices to be heard.”

The Wondaland Records founder also discussed the importance of collaboration among women. “Fem the Future is about working together,” she said. “We believe in unity between women and I want you to know and Fem the Future wants you to know that if my sister doesn’t advance, I don’t advance. An injustice done to you is an injustice done to me.”

The brunch — which was attended by Lupita Nyong’o and Wondaland’s own Jidenna, St. Beauty, Deep Cotton, and Roman GianArthur — isn’t Janelle’s first attempt to inspire women. Earlier this year, Monáe also linked up with several stars for the Michelle Obama-curated “This Is for My Girls.” The female empowerment anthem also featured Missy Elliott, Kelly Rowland, Zendaya, and Kelly Clarkson.

This Christmas, Janelle can be seen alongside Taraji P. Henson and Octavia Spencer in Hidden Figures, based on the true story of three black female mathematicians who helped NASA win the Space Race.