Kanyi Okeke
You’d think that sharing the same name as one of the most talented, wealthy, and powerful women in the world would have you screaming your name off rooftops, but for a shy girl in New York, it isn’t as great as you’d think.
‘Humans of New York’ photographer Brandon Stanton was back on the streets of the Big Apple when he ran into Beyoncé — no, not Blue’s mama, but a schoolgirl who told him her day to day struggle and how annoying it is to have the same name as a superstar, especially when you’re a tad antisocial.
“Sometimes I hate my name because it always draws attention to me, and I’m not a very social person. My family moved this year from Pennsylvania. I was so scared the first day of school that someone would notice me. I wouldn’t even adjust my seat because I thought it would make a noise. One time I really had to cough, but I held it in. When the teacher started calling attendance, I got really nervous, because every time people learn my name is Beyoncé, somebody starts singing ‘Single Ladies.’ And some did, of course. But the second day of school wasn’t too bad. Because everyone knew my name.”
Meanwhile, making sure the non-famous Beyoncé didn’t feel too bad about her name, other regular folks out there with celebrity names like Will Smith, Serena Williams, Chris Brown, Michelle Williams, Kelly Rowland, Katie Holmes, and Rihanna came out in full force on Facebook to let her know that they understand her struggle.
Just wait for the new generation of Norths, Blue Ivys, and Royaltys…What are your thoughts?
