Beyonce Wins Journalism Award From The New York Association Of Black Journalists

Beyonce has been nominated and won many awards over the span of her career, but an award for journalism is a new one. Beyonce has racked up numerous music awards, including 16 Grammys and a nomination for an Academy award and now she can add a magazine award from the New York Association of Black Journalists to her resume.

Last year, before Beyonce released her fourth studio album, 4, the pop diva penned an article in Essesnce magazine entitled, Eat, Play, Love. This was not a typical magazine interview that Beyonce gave, rather it was an article penned by the new mom herself. In the article she wrote about her year that she took off from working and how it affected her.

I was going to give myself a year to do the things I never get to do, Beyonce wrote in Essence. Simple things like play with my nephew, pick him up from school, visit museums, go to concerts, see some Broadway shows, learn to cook a meal and spend time with my husband. My priority was savoring every moment. Yes, I needed some relaxation, but I wanted inspiration too, from regular, everyday things. They did not have to be over-the-top productions. I was looking for tiny moments that would speak to my heart and make me smile.

Beyonce penned the article herself, but that doesn't mean the award being given to her hasn't gone without controversy. Some people have said that by giving the award to her devalues the prize, but the president of the New York chapter, Michael Feeney, doesn't agree.

I believe it was selected on content and the writing and not on her celebrity, Feeney said. I know a lot of people are upset but we are honoring a lot of outstanding journalists on that night. Beyoncé is a role model. I hope this honor will inspire other girls to pursue a career in journalism.

Beyonce has not commented on the award yet, and is unknown if she will attend the ceremony on May 15. One thing that is for sure is Beyonce's next career moves. Beyonce will perform at the new casino and resort in Atlantic City, Revel, Memorial Day weekend and will begin filming A Star is Born, with Clint Eastwood this summer and it seems her vacation gave her much inspiration.

I'm grateful for the time I gave myself to breathe, to relax and to be inspired, Beyonce wrote. My personal retreat gave me strength and a creative reawakening. I returned refreshed, renewed and empowered to reevaluate my life and do things that will make a difference. Because let's face it, girls, we run the world.