Arts & Entertainment

Listen: Madonna samples Emma González’s gun control speech on ballad ‘I Rise’

This is the second single from ‘Madame X’

Published

7 years ago

May 3, 2019

Mariah Cooper

Madonna has released “I Rise,” the second single from her upcoming album ‘Madame X.”

The start of the song samples Parkland shooting survivor Emma González’s pro gun control speech.

[They say] us kids don’t know what we’re talking about, that we’re too young to understand how the government works. We call BS,” González says.

Madonna explained the inspiration behind the song in a statement saying, “I wrote ‘I Rise’ as a way of giving a voice to all marginalized people who feel they don’t have the opportunity to speak their mind. This year is the 50th anniversary of Pride and I hope this song encourages all individuals to be who they are, to speak their minds and to love themselves.”

“Madame X” will be released on June 14.

Listen below.

Photos

PHOTOS: Equality Prince William Pride

Fifth annual LGBTQ celebration held in Manassas, Va.

Published

15 hours ago

May 19, 2026

Landon Shackelford

Mayor of Manassas Michelle Davis-Younger, center, cuts the ribbon to open Equality Prince William Pride at Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 16. (Washington Blade photo by Landon Shackelford)

Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 16.

(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)

Photos

PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party

Ashley Biden accepts award for Beau Biden at annual Rehoboth fundraiser

Published

2 days ago

May 17, 2026

Daniel Truitt

Ashley Biden accepts an award on behalf of her brother, Beau Biden, at the Washington Blade's Summer Kickoff Party in Rehoboth Beach, Del. (Washington Blade photo by Daniel Truitt)

The 19th annual Blade Foundation Summer Kickoff Party was held on Friday, May 15 at Diego’s in Rehoboth Beach, Del. An award presentation was held for former Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden. Ashley Biden accepted the award on her brother’s behalf and gave remarks. Other speakers included Delaware state Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall, CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Dr. Robin Brennan and Washington Blade Editor Kevin Naff. The event was a fundraiser for the Steve Elkins Memorial Fellowship in Journalism.

(Washington Blade photos by Daniel Truitt)