Kendrick Lamar and Beyonce’s performance happened at the perfect time
Are you feeling a little thrown off by the recent public displays of black pride?
The Superbowl is at the heart of American tradition. So are the Grammy’s. With these two television events, 108 years of American tradition has been harbored and displayed to the country. This year, however, some think the acts associated with these two events aren’t as “American” as usual.
As I’m sure you’ve all heard by now, Beyonce performed her new song, “Formation,” during the halftime show at Superbowl 50. Beyonce used black dancers who were dressed in black outfits as a nod to the Black Panthers, a civil rights group that was prominent in the 70’s for its strong and sometimes violent stance against the inferior treatment of black people in America.
Beyonce peppered her song with pro-black lyrics about natural hair and the traditionally wide noses of black people, which seemed to have confused and angered some of white America. The basis for the anger stems from people thinking the performance was a tribute to the Black Panthers and we shouldn’t pay tribute to a “violent” group. Well, that’d be wrong.
The performance was about blackness –not just the Black Panthers. Beyonce used her platform as arguably the most influential celebrity of this generation to show black pride in the midst of the biggest American racial divide since the Civil Rights Movement. And secondly, the Black Panthers only used violent tactics when they were threatened. The Black Panthers highly emphasized community service with programs like the Free Breakfast for Children Programs and community health clinics.
Again, most people don’t know this unless they take the time out to do research besides what is given to you by mainstream conservative media.
As a writer and a personal blogger who blogs about issues in the black community, some people sent me messages about the performance because lots of people didn’t understand it’s true intentions. It wasn’t meant to offend anyone, but to empower blacks who have been oppressed for centuries.
Kendrick Lamar’s performance at the Grammy’s was another strong performance towards the black community and he’s been writing about black issues for a while.
He’s from Compton, California, which is easily one of the most poverty-stricken and crime infested cities in the country. Like Beyonce, he’s an artist using his platform to bring awareness to issues that the black community faces. He emerged on stage in chains, with dancers similarly shackled behind him while he free-styled about Trayvon Martin in the middle of one of the most conscious songs on his latest album, “The Blacker the Berry.”
This song centers deep-rooted issues in the black community like violence, internalized hatred, and systemic oppression. To have the powerful visuals along with the thought-provoking lyrics made for an absolutely unforgettable performance. The crowd gave a standing ovation. Some were amazed, some were shaken, and some were appalled.
I guess some people don’t understand the meaning behind powerful performances.
Kendrick Lamar did this because he faced issues of violence, internal and external oppression, and police brutality growing up. He did this so those who don’t face the same issues can become aware of them and hopefully unite with those active in changing them. Kendrick Lamar and Beyonce sent messages. The question is, how will we, as a people respond? Happy Black History Month.