The singer fronted a march through Philadelphia carrying a sign emblazoned with the slogan 'Black Girl Magic' along with her labelmate, singer Jidenna, as part of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Monae also gave a rousing speech to the crowd and referred to the campaign's Say Her Name hashtag, which is used to raise awareness of black women who have died in police custody.

She told the audience, "They say a question lives forever, until it gets the answer it deserve (sic). Won't you say their names? Can we say their names right now? Can we speak their names, as long as we have breath in our bodies?" before leading a chant.

Jidenna also spoke at the rally and played a gig with Monae in the city later that evening.