Greatness” Is “Measured By How Many Individuals Stand Beside You

Teyana Taylor was honored with the Icon of the 12 months Award on the 2026 BET Awards, which was offered by Janet Jackson.

The Oscar-nominated star was emotional from the beginning, stunned that Jackson took the time to current the award to her on the Peacock Theater. After praising Jackson, Taylor delivered an inspiring message about uplifting each other quite than tearing each other down in an advanced business.

“Tonight they handed me a title, and that title is Icon of the 12 months,” Taylor stated on the stage. “And for somewhat minute I puzzled if I used to be purported to really feel uncomfortable saying that title out loud.”

The Golden Globe winner acknowledged that she has been working for 20 years, including, “I’m not accepting what I’ve earned with vanity, I’m accepting what I’ve earned with gratitude.”

“Most of my profession has been spent constructing my very own dream whereas serving to anyone else construct theirs, as a result of I imagine there’s room for all of us to win,” she continued. “Even when which means pouring from my very own cup into another person’s, to allow them to overflow, not as a result of I needed to, however as a result of that’s simply who I’m. That’s fairly rattling iconic, should you ask me.”

“As a result of this enterprise might be very depraved. This enterprise is depraved, . It teaches us to compete, however I’ve by no means believed that my success needed to name another person’s theirs. If I do know one thing, I ought to train it. If I open a door, I ought to maintain it. If I’ve a platform, I ought to make room for an additional voice. Thanks. As a result of I imagine greatness isn’t measured by how many individuals stand beneath you, it’s measured by how many individuals stand beside you since you’re prepared to achieve again, that’s the one legacy I care about. So tonight I’ll put on this title loud and proud as a result of I promise to proceed to earn it.”

Taylor went on to create her dad and mom and her “biggest masterpiece,” her two children, who she hoped had been watching her at dwelling.”

“Thanks to everybody who’s allowed me to be part of your story, and thanks to everybody who’s been part of mine,” she stated. “It really takes a village, and I’m past blessed with the one which God has given me. Thanks a lot, BET, for this honor. I really like you all.”

Watch Taylor’s full speech within the video under.