Janelle Monáe Tells LMU Graduates: “We Need a New Standard of Love”

LOS ANGELES - Janelle Monáe, acclaimed artist, author, actor, and fashion icon, told Loyola Marymount University master's degree and doctoral candidates on Sunday that "we need a new standard of love in this world."

"Graduates, I'd be lying to you if I didn't say that I am deeply concerned that we've been settling for the same societal standards for far too long - the old songs of injustice, inequality, and division that have echoed throughout history," Monáe said during graduate commencement exercises on LMU's Westchester Campus. "They are holding us back from realizing our full potential to love as human beings and as a humanity."

The Grammy-nominated artist told members of the Class of 2024: "I bring this to you because you all will be the ones to bring that new standard forward. You and I are going to write the song of the future. You and I are writing the song because it is time for a new standard of love."

Monáe, is a multi-hyphenate, 10-time Grammy-nominated artist, New York Times best-selling author, actor, and fashion icon. She is known worldwide for her inimitable style and visionary sound that celebrates the spectrum of identity.

Following her critically acclaimed 2018 album "Dirty Computer," Monáe recently released "The Age of Pleasure" in June of 2023. The highly anticipated album has turned into the ultimate celebration. Beyond music, Monáe was recently honored with Critics Choice's 2023 SeeHer Award and recognized as Trevor Project's Suicide Prevention Advocate of the Year.

Download Monáe's full address to the Class of 2024.

Monáe's speech follows award-winning, multi-platinum singer-songwriter John Legend's address on Saturday, May 4, during undergraduate commencement exercises.

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