Madonna Releases Powerful Video for Activist Anthem ‘I Rise’

Madonna has never shied away from making bold statements with her work, and the latest video for a single from her new album, Madame X, is a testament to that.

Created with Time, the video features powerful footage of various social justice movements and natural disasters, showing the tenacity of the human spirit and the need for us to continue rising up against the powers to be that attempt to marginalize us.

"A new video inspired by the song, created by Madonna and TIME Studios, weaves together footage of the survivors of the Parkland shooting, supporters of LGBTQ equality, Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman's powerful testimony about sexual abuse, first responders to natural disasters and other social justice movements," writes the magazine.

The video was directed by Peter Matkiwsky and tells the story of a global population fighting for rights, recognition and survival.

"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," Madonna said in a statement when the song was released last month. "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."

On New Year's Eve, Madonna made a surprise appearance at New York City's Stonewall Inn, the site of the 1969 Stonewall rebellion, which is widely considered the spark that ignited the modern-day gay rights movement.

"I stand here proudly at the place where Pride began, the legendary Stonewall Inn, on the birth of a new year," she said in a speech at the iconic West Village gay bar. "We come together tonight to celebrate 50 years of revolution, 50 years of freedom fighting, 50 years of blood, sweat, and tears. Can I get an amen?"

But that's not the only appearance Madonna will be making in front of an LGBTQ-specific crowd.

At WorldPride, happening in New York City to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Stonewall, Madonna will perform "a couple of songs" during day two of Pride Island.