Janelle Monae Partners with Warner Music Group to Empower Women

Pop singer and R&B artist Janelle Monae has partnered with Warner Music Group/Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund. This partnership is expected to expand the programs of her non-profit, Fem the Future. Janelle’s non-profit focuses on building a fem-forward future. She will create opportunities for girls and non-binary youth of color in music, arts, and education. The $150,000 partnership grant will serve as the first initiative in a long-term collaboration between both organizations.

Janelle Monae said the partnership with the social justice fund would give girls a chance to own their power. She also said that the SJF grant would support Fem the Future as it develops programming for girls and non-binary youth and shines a light on their talent. Monae also said a beautiful future starts with uplifting the next generation of artists, freedom fighters, and activists.

Lorelei Williams, the Executive Director of WMG/BFF JSF, said it was a joy to partner with Janelle Monae and Fem the Future. Williams also said Janelle was a cultural icon and catalyst who embodies liberation in her music and other creative platforms such as Fem the Future. 

Regarding the rise of anti-LGBTQI+ bills, Williams said the fight for gender justice was more crucial than ever. She also said the fall of Roe v. Wade meant female bodies and freedoms were at stake. However, Williams said the grant would allow Fem the Future to scale up its programming. The executive director also said this would allow the non-profit to elevate the power of black girls and non-binary youth.

Christina Shareef, the Board Chair of Fem the Future, said the partnership is a chance to increase access for women and girls of color in music, entertainment, and the creative arts. She also said giving them the tools to succeed would help spark lasting change in their lives.