Watch Jay-Z's Mother's Speech at 2018 GLAAD Media Awards

After Jay-Z detailed the powerful story of his mom publicly coming out as a lesbian on his 4:44 album, Gloria Carter is being honored for sharing her story. The mother of the Brooklyn rapper was given the Special Recognition Award at the 2018 GLAAD Media Awards on Saturday evening (May 5) in New York City.

Gloria was presented the award by Good Morning America host Robin Roberts, who is also a well-known gay woman in the entertainment field. Once she took the stage, Ms. Carter delivered a powerful speech where she spoke about Hov highlighting her coming out story on his "Smile" record this past year, and what it was like to share that part of her life with her son.

“Thanks to you, to all the people whose lives I touched, for your support, by just telling my truth,” she stated. “‘Smile’ became a reality because I shared with my son who I am. Not that people didn’t know; I was just someone they didn’t talk about but they loved me anyway. But for me, this was the first time that I spoke to anyone about who I really am.”

Jay also received the award along with his mother, but unfortunately he was not able to be present for the ceremony and to accompany his mom.

Jay-Z not only highlighted Gloria's story in his music, but he also later expressed his happiness that she is now "free" to be herself. He even said that he was moved to tears of joy when she originally came out to him.

Watch Gloria Carter's moving speech while receiving the Special Recognition Award in the video below.

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