Find Station
Ryan Seacrest

Ryan Seacrest

Ryan is quite simply one of the most influential, well-regarded, and well-known names in Hollywood. He is the quintessential Hollywood insider who...Full Bio

 

How Nelson Mandela Changed Beyoncé's Life

Late South African leader and civil rights pioneer Nelson Mandela would have been 100 years old on December 5th, so to celebrate his life and enormous achievements The Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100 will be held on Sunday in Johannesburg.

Over a dozen superstars will perform including Beyoncé, who is particularly honored, because she knew Mandela personally.

In an open letter addressed to him published in South African newspaper Sowetan, Beyoncé writes: "Your gratitude for every experience and your ability to forgive are lessons I have learned and will pass on to my three children. You made it possible for so many people like me to reject impossibilities and understand our capabilities to make lasting change in the world."

The Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100 aims to do just that by raising $1 billion to assist the world’s poorest.

It airs on MSNBC Sunday at 9pm.

Photo: Getty Images