Beyoncé and Solange’s father Mathew Knowles has dug into the archives to pull out a throwback photo of the two beloved stars he helped raise.
In an Instagram post on Tuesday (April 12), Knowles shared the image alongside an inspirational message to encourage parents to support their children’s passions while also explaining why it’s so important to do so.
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“We need to encourage our children,” he began. “I believe our young people are often more intuitive than adults in many areas. Those early passions many children possess should be nurtured and supported.”
He continued: “When I was young, my mother supported my every ambition. We didn’t have a lot of money, but as I’ve always been a learner and a reader, I vividly recall her buying me a set of Encyclopedia books so I could absorb knowledge and educate my young mind. That encouragement to learn stayed with me my entire life during my corporate career in sales and marketing, in the music industry, and even today at 71 years old where I’m still finding new things to learn and discover!
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“When I expressed an interest in basketball at a young age, again, she put up a basketball hoop with the limited funds that were available to the family. I went on to play basketball at the college level and ultimately became a part owner in the WNBA championship-winning Chicago Sky. A few of my dearest friends today are some of the most notable NBA legends in history. My love for basketball started at a young age, and because it was nurtured, it has remained with me throughout my entire life.”
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He went on: “When Beyoncé and Solange showed an interest in music at a very young age, Tina and I (who were already corporate professionals and entrepreneurs) didn’t attempt to downplay their passions. Rather, we encouraged them, we guided them, we supported them. As long as they took it seriously and strived to be the best they could, we were happy with whatever career path they chose.”
“The world needs more people who are connected to their inner ambitions and passions, and are surrounded by those who nurture them. It’ll make the world a better place for us all.”
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This isn’t the first time Knowles has offered some words of wisdom to his followers. Last summer, Beyoncé and Solange’s father offered up a few of the tips he gave to his superstar daughters during their formative years.
“One thing I taught Beyoncé and Solange was to practice failure,” he wrote in a series of tweets in July. “We would practice how they’d respond if their microphone got cut off, if their shoes broke on stage, if the wrong song got queued in their performance set. Anything can happen…”
In a second tweet, he added: “..and they were always prepared to have a response! I would like for you to consider the same lesson. Whether you’re a performer or artist, or an entrepreneur or professional, practice how you’ll respond in the event you fail.”
“It’s a skill that can and should be developed!” he concluded.
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Regardless of the fact that both Beyoncé and Solange are two of music’s most seasoned performers, they’ve faced a few onstage blunders throughout their career — but they’ve managed to style them out, perhaps thanks to the teachings of their father.
