One thing’s for certain when you see ‘Beyoncé in Concert’, there won’t be a soul who will be able to say they didn’t leave edgeless and in awe. This holds true for the latest in her wig-snatching ventures. As the first black woman to headline the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter made history on both weekends that was graced with her presence.
Making her stance clear on the accomplishment of being the first woman of color to headline the 19-year-old annual music festival held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, each of her sets was gleaming with unapologetic pride, homage, and blackness. For those that were confused about what you’ve just experienced, let me break it down for you so there’s no miscommunication…
The Queen Is Here
Emerging as a Queen Nefertiti reincarnate, Beyoncé struts the stage’s runway donning a flat-topped black and gold headdress the first weekend then a flawless all silver crown the next weekend, draped in heavy jewels with a flowing cape and cane. All black. All silver. All royalty.
The Black National Anthem
As she finished a rendition of her hit “Freedom”, the song looped into a beautiful medley of the Black National Anthem by James Weldon Johnson and John Rosamond Johnson, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Why is thisimportant? With the controversy of the National Anthem causing a stir and Colin Kaepernick STILL being unemployed, this performance couldn’t have come at a more perfect time. This song is an anthem that many little black girls and boys sang every morning at school after the bell rang. It’s ingrained in us and is a song of freedom, justice, faith and pride that we won’t ever forget. Don’t know it? Google it.
Um where can I apply? Beyoncé brought down the house and made historically black colleges and universities extremely proud.
In a time, where some are underfunded and even in financial legal battles, Beyoncé reassured us all that HBCU pride goes beyond what the headlines might say. From the inclusiveness to the many outlets HBCU’s have like marching bands, fraternities, sororities, and majorette dancing, black colleges are needed and here to stay.
What some may not realize it that Greek life makes up almost 20% of college students, activities, organizations and events on campuses, and this number is even higher at HBCUs. Greek sororities and fraternities make up the “cool” atmosphere of college life. They host the parties, have the good-looking guys and women, and excel in scholastics and sports.
HBCU Howard University alone has one of the highest ranking of black alumni who are either famous, notable executives, or successful entrepreneurs.
This might have been the most misinterpreted scene in Beyoncé’s 2-hour showcase. So, I thought I’d break it down. The male Greek pledges of Beyoncé’s organization, also known as ‘The Bugaboos’, were put through a reenactment of a fraternity initiation and probate.
The purpose of an initiation is to teach the new members about the significance behind all the organization’s symbols, Greek letters, mottos, rituals, colors, and beliefs. Coinciding, a probate is a new member presentation where the newest members present history, reveal who they are and often step or stroll amongst a crowd of supporters, observers and fellow Greeks.
Oh, how we love this marching band!!! A HBCU band that is. The Drumline Live Band is an Atlanta based organization made up of band leaders, musicians and dancers from HBCUs like Tennessee State University and FAMU. Alumni and students were honored as they cheered on their friends and family who took to the stage to join Beyoncé in her 2-hour long homage to the rich legacy of HBCU life. From beat breakdowns, twirling cymbals, and dancing drummers, Beyoncé’s performance highlighted black collegiate cultural presence and live music in motion.
Homage To Southern Majorettes
If you’ve ever been to football classics and the big annual Bayou Classic in Louisiana, then you know a marching band or game for that matter isn’t complete without your majorettes and dance teams. The majorettes had the biggest presence at the show for me. From the way a majorette sits, walks and dances, there is a unique and traditional choreography to their every step. It was so refreshing to see these moves infused with Beyoncé’s hyped mixes and sassy beats.
Tia Muhammad, BS, is an award-winning freelance content & media creative, copywriter, blogger, digital designer, and marketing consultant. She owns the boutique content and digital media company, jackieGLDN|studio.