As a woman of color, I have always admired Beyoncé's ability to empower women and the POC community through her music, while also addressing serious political issues. I applaud her call to release the surprise track "BLACK PARADE" on Juneteenth, especially since we're seeing an increasing divide over the BLM movement. And the song, true to Queen B's form, pulls absolutely no punches—the song begins with her southern heritage as a Texan where "her roots aren't watered down" and continues back to her African ancestry with beautiful African imagery like baobab tree, the motherland, dashiki print, and golden Ankh charms.
The chorus is amazing because she gives us such vivid picture of her on the throne, leading a parade of her Beyhives in a nonviolent, but determined, protest. She crowns herself as leader and maternal figure, spreading her wings in protection and solidarity, while also encouraging us that we have the power to fight back with the words "bees is known to bite". I love her shout out to MLK, Malcolm X, Tina Turner, Curtis Mayfield, and Tamika Mallory. Her battle cry of "black love" is such a brave statement in a time when many celebrities are keeping silent. The song is an amazingly empathetic way for her to support the black community, both in her powerful message and the proceeds that will go to black-owned small businesses.
My favorite thing about "BLACK PARADE", besides the beautiful African and emotional protest visuals, and all Queen B and honey and hive references, is the sheer pride and love behind her words. She's telling us that she refuses to let the hate drag her down, to stand up for civil rights, and she encourages us to follow her lead. "Speak the glory, feel the love" gives me the literal shivers. In an Instagram post, Beyoncé tells us: " I hope we continue to share joy and celebrate each other, even in the midst of struggle. Please continue to remember our beauty, strength, and power. “BLACK PARADE” celebrates you, your voice, and your joy and will benefit Black-owned small businesses." Her words have been major themes in her music since the beginning. It's been amazing to watch her take an open stance against all this hate in our country and standing up for black voices and businesses. I just know that history will remember our Queen as one of the most powerful and motivating black female activists of our time.
As a woman of color, I have always admired Beyoncé's ability to empower women and the POC community through her music, while also addressing serious political issues. I applaud her call to release the surprise track "BLACK PARADE" on Juneteenth, especially since we're seeing an increasing divide over the BLM movement. And the song, true to Queen B's form, pulls absolutely no punches—the song begins with her southern heritage as a Texan where "her roots aren't watered down" and continues back to her African ancestry with beautiful African imagery like baobab tree, the motherland, dashiki print, and golden Ankh charms.
The chorus is amazing because she gives us such vivid picture of her on the throne, leading a parade of her Beyhives in a nonviolent, but determined, protest. She crowns herself as leader and maternal figure, spreading her wings in protection and solidarity, while also encouraging us that we have the power to fight back with the words "bees is known to bite". I love her shout out to MLK, Malcolm X, Tina Turner, Curtis Mayfield, and Tamika Mallory. Her battle cry of "black love" is such a brave statement in a time when many celebrities are keeping silent. The song is an amazingly empathetic way for her to support the black community, both in her powerful message and the proceeds that will go to black-owned small businesses.
My favorite thing about "BLACK PARADE", besides the beautiful African and emotional protest visuals, and all Queen B and honey and hive references, is the sheer pride and love behind her words. She's telling us that she refuses to let the hate drag her down, to stand up for civil rights, and she encourages us to follow her lead. "Speak the glory, feel the love" gives me the literal shivers. In an Instagram post, Beyoncé tells us: " I hope we continue to share joy and celebrate each other, even in the midst of struggle. Please continue to remember our beauty, strength, and power. “BLACK PARADE” celebrates you, your voice, and your joy and will benefit Black-owned small businesses." Her words have been major themes in her music since the beginning. It's been amazing to watch her take an open stance against all this hate in our country and standing up for black voices and businesses. I just know that history will remember our Queen as one of the most powerful and motivating black female activists of our time.