Beyonce Knowles can add journalist to her long list of ever growing credits.  At least that's what the New York Association of Black Journalists says.  Thanks to penning her own Essence cover story last year, she's been award first place in the Association's Arts & Entertainment category for their upcoming Awards & Scholarship event.

Deets inside, plus her hubby Jay-Z rolling up to Youtube to surprise guests at their Upfronts...

When Beyonce penned her own "Eat Play Love" cover story for the July 2011 issue of Essence magazine, the literary world took notice.  Her first hand workaholic account of taking nine months off to simply live, have fun & travel with her loved ones must have inspired many.  NYABJ will award her a first place prize in their Arts & Entertainment category at their 24th Annual Scholarship and Awards Banquet on May 15.

"NYABJ is thrilled to present well-deserved awards to all of our winners and also recognize two luminaries in our field — Robert Naylor and the late Gil Noble," said NYABJ President Michael J. Feeney. "From News 12 Westchester's coverage of the Danroy Henry killing to CNN's coverage of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. monument dedication to recording artist Beyonce Knowles' Essence magazine article about how a nine-month break changed her life, we congratulate everyone."

The Banquet takes place at the historic Audubon Ballroom, now known as the Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center. Check out excerpts from Beyonce's piece HERE and her spread HERE.

And to mark the one year anniversary to the day that Beyonce officially kicked off her hand in First Lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" campaign, FLOTUS issued a statement of thanks to the pop star:

"One year ago today, I teamed up with Beyoncé to show kids all across the country that being active isn’t just good for you – it’s fun, too,” said First Lady Michelle Obama. “But you don't only have to dance in a flash mob to get moving. Whether it’s hula hooping, playing sports or just going for a walk, all kids can find a way to be active for 60 minutes a day and eat nutritious, delicious food so they grow up healthy and strong.”

Re-live the fun "Get Me Bodied/Let's Move" edition video HERE and her official kick off with school students HERE.

Meanwhile, husband Jay-Z surprised the Youtube Upfront goers with a finale performance of "Empire State of Mind."  The mogul donned one of his brand new Brooklyn Nets fitted caps he designed for the occasion.

Why the Youtube Upfronts?  Because Jay's "Life+Times" website has its own channel on Youtube and is dropping a hefty $200 million on original programming. Well damn.