Solange Knowles

Exclusive interview from the DKMS Get Swabbed PSA shoot

1. Why are you bringing awareness to this cause? Kara is a young girl and you have a young son so we’re wondering if, as a mother, you felt for her family.

Solange: Absolutely! As a mother and most importantly as a human being. I attended the DKMS gala a couple years ago, and hearing all of the success stories of finding and matching donors was life changing.
I think getting educated about how simple, yet transformative the process is was extremely eye opening. A lot of people don't understand that it's literally a cotton swab that determines if your a match. This can actually save someone's life! Since then I have wanted to lend my voice in any way I can, and the story of Kara is even more motivating.

2. Speaking of family: Are you excited to be an aunt? You must have a lot tips for your sister but what is one specific mommy advice you give to your family and friends?

Solange: I'm extremely excited. It's going to be payback for all of the auntie spoiling that's been inflicted on my son times two! She's going to be a phenomenal mother and one of the things I tell mothers all the time is just to use your instincts. I know she will have phenomenal instincts! Shes going to be a phenomenal mother.

3. If there’s one action you can take to change the world what would it be?

Solange: To have more than one action! There's not just one that will solve the problems we live with. I do however really stand by equality. That's something I am really passionate about. From the suicide of gay and lesbian young people who have been victims of extreme bullying to the execution to Troy Davis and even to the Water Crisis that has plauged so many in third world countries....equality should be a right, not a privilege!

4. How are you raising your son to be a do-gooder? Do you volunteer together or perhaps fundraise (via a lemonade stand, etc.)?

Solange: Most importantly I speak to him about real issues. I've never had the philosophy of shielding him from the real issues or under estimating his competence to understand. Awareness is the first part of it. I remember when the devastating earthquakes in Japan happened, and we watched the news together. After a series of questions he decided he wanted to help I'm some kind of way. He did a watercolor of the Japanese flag and we reached out to American Apparel to see if they would donate t-shirts to screen his watercolor and they did! So we launched Julez for Japan and sold them and donated all of the funds to Peace Winds which was a great devastation relief team. Him and his buddies would gather around in the mornings and sell them at school. He became really passionate about it and I was very proud.