Beyonce Knowles has added another accomplishment to her well-documented career as she was named Time’s Most Influential Person of 2014.Beyonce, a popular singer and dancer announced her award via Facebook and Instagram, posting a picture of the "Time Magazine" cover with the simple caption, “I am so honored.” She topped other popular figures such as Pope Francis, Secretary of State John Kerry, singer Pharrell Williams, author John Green, singer/actress Miley Cyrus, and tennis athlete Serena Williams. Sheryl Sandberg, chief operating officer of Facebook and women’s activist, wrote the article in "Time" describing why Beyonce deserves a spot as one of the most influential people. In the article she writes, "Beyoncé doesn't just sit at the table. She builds a better one.” Sandberg goes on to say, “Beyoncé has insisted that girls ‘run the world,’ and declared, ‘I’m not bossy. I’m the boss.’ She raises her voice both on and off stage to urge women to be independent and lead.” Nancy Gibbs, Editor in Chief of "Time Magazine," said of the list, "The TIME 100 is a list of the world's most influential men and women, not it’s most powerful. The vast majority of this year's roster reveals that while power is certain, influence is subtle. Power is a tool, Influence is a skill…. If there is a common theme in many of the tributes, it's the eagerness to see what some engineer, actor, leader or athlete will do next." Beyonce has lived up to Gibbs’ definition, according to Sandberg. She says, “In the past year, Beyoncé has sold out the Mrs. Carter Show World Tour while being a full-time mother. Her secret: hard work, honesty and authenticity. And her answer to the question, ‘What would you do if you weren’t afraid?’ appears to be ‘Watch me. I’m about to do it.’ Then she adds, ‘You can, too.”’Makayla Maggert, a sophomore in psychology from Georgia, agreed with "Time Magazine’s" decision to name Beyonce as the Most Influential Person. She said, “She’s an amazing singer live and on the radio. She doesn’t let anyone influence her and doesn’t change her ways for people. She’s been a popular singer forever, unlike some singers who just come and go.”
Writer: Emily Halls ~ Multimedia Journalist
