JAY-Z was honored at the 24th annual Brooklyn Public Library Gala in New York City

JAY-Z and his mother, Gloria Carter, were honored at the 24th annual Brooklyn Public Library Gala in New York City last night (October 2).

“This was my library growing up, and there was never an exhibition or recognition of a black artist that had that kind of impact, in this library, when I was growing up,” said one of the guest, Xiomara Hall said.

The event featured special guests, including RocNation CEO Desiree Perez and New York Mayor Eric Adams, who emphasized the exhibition’s role in attracting a new generation of young people to libraries.

Taking the stage, JAY-Z, wearing a Gucci tuxedo, said that his mother gave him a very bad reason, “for not showing up.” and joked that she would get Ԁrunk [9 on Spin above] before revealing that she went to see a doctor.

“She wаnted to sаy that she really wаnted to be here with you guys. And she was so honored. And so overwhelmed that her son was amazing,” he continued, crediting his mother for saying to him as a child that he could become anything.

As he spoke, uniformed policemen held up cell phones to record the speech.

“I love you!” someone shouted from a crowd of about a dozen people standing behind police barricades along Library Avenue.

“And we love you,” he said in response. “This is definitely Brooklyn.”

JAY-Z reflects on the library exhibition that was kept sеcrеt from him.

“I thought maybe it was like a small room, and it was more than I deserved.” he sаy. “I walked in and saw this amazing performance. “”

“And my grandmother Hattie White got to meet him,” he continued. “She just turned 98 and she’s seen a lot of things.”

“This experience is huge,” he said.

When the speech ended, JAY-Z climbed the stairs to the second floor while customers returned to the main floor of the library where Questlove continued to run the gala as DJ.

As a parting gift, guests received a copy of JAY-Z’s memoir