Homecoming, A Celebration of Blackness
Full disclosure, I was at Beychella weekend one and I knew right out the gate I was witnessing history in the making. When the announcer said “Welcome to Beyoncé’s Homecoming” I thought it was a brilliant way to celebrate her return to the stage. I had no idea how life changing the next two hours would be.
Our society does an awful job of supporting women postpartum. Reality is the body has just done the impossible and this belief that it will not be any different is toxic. I appreciate Bey’s transparency in her struggle to slim down. In addition to this awful “snap back” phenomenon she discusses her challenge with time management and making peace with her time no longer being exclusively hers. It is HARD to adjust to so much change while often questioning every decision you make. While women are amazing, we actually aren’t superheroes and would benefit from amazing support. Never forget it takes a village to raise a child.
This was the Blackest two hours Coachella has ever experienced! From the Nefertiti crown and cape, to the celebration of Black education to the thump of the drum lines. Who didn’t love that transition i to Juvenile’s Back Dat Azz Up?!? Bey did not come to play with us. I’ll go further and say this was a celebration of Black womanhood. The Queen gave us all something to enjoy from the twerking to the dance teams to the vulnerable modern dance break, there was something on that stage for any Black woman to connect to. Special shoutout to the plus-size twins who held it down during Baby Boy and the thick baton twirler who made Party everything. There were so many Black women a part of this production it felt like home. In the words of Malcolm X “the Black woman is the most disrespected, disreguarded and unprotected person in America.” Not on April 14, 2018 though, Bey allowed us all to escape for a moment and relish in being the shit!!
HBCU’s are suffering financially. Not all, but too many. We nearly lost Bethune last month. I have attended an HBCU but most of my education has been at PWI’s. Bey reminded us of the importance and influence of these institutions. We cannot ignore that they remain as relevant now as they did when created. Not everyone will find a perfect fit but support them nonetheless. I attend homecomings, special events and such not only to connect with my people but to spend my coins where they are needed. Of course I’m not saying H CU’s are the only option but if you or your loved ones won’t even consider it ask yourself why that is. To have Beyonce recruit from these institutions rather than hire Hollywood performers is priceless. These young people have experienced greatness and will forever be inspired. They were a part of history and I pray they go on to excel in whatever life has in store for them.
Destiny’s Child is more than a catalyst. Beyonce has always caught hell for being the lead singer in the group. I struggle to name one group that truly doesn’t have a lead...I’ll wait. It is worth noting that every time Bey is on the world’s largest stages, she makes space for her girls. She does not have to do this. She is under no contract or obligation but I believe it still gives her life to perform with her sister’s after all these years as a solo artist. This is how you be your sister’s keeper. You NEVER forget those who have had your back and you NEVER exclude them from the highlights.
The glimpses of Bey as a mom. It was refreshing and her children seem really happy and healthy. It doesn’t seem like there is a rush to make Blue a star and I appreciate that. She appears to have been bitten by the bug but let’s all let it play out. Bey has been wanting to be a mom since she came on the scene. I’m happy for her that she is having this experience and finds way to seemingly balance it all.
Jay-Z may have made some awful decisions but I am so happy they have and continue to work through their challenges. Life is hard. Marriage is hard. Forgiveness is hard. Hate and hurt are hard. Don’t give up on relationships that are worth it. I love that he didn’t come out for the first song Crazy in Love. He has mastered the art of giving Bey all the shine. I also appreciate him coming out for Deja Vu. It was the first video where it was clear they were a couple and in love. She has in a sense grown up loving this man and it’s a lot to reconcile with being famous, young and in love publicly.
Bey is not a business woman, she’s a business woman. This is the epitome of a boss. I’ll start with toasting her for employing so many Blacks in their dream careers. From her dancers to her publicist there are Blacks, predominately women out here killing the game while on Parkwood Entertainment’s payroll. This is why Black wealth matters. How many of these folks were told to find real jobs rather than follow their passion and look at them now. I don’t know Bey and I’m not sure how many of these ideas are hers versus her team’s but it doesn’t matter. She’s who signs off on them at the end of the day. The forethought to negotiate full ownership of her Coachella performance, to make this a live album to get with Netflix, to collab with Addidas!!! Chile, Bey has worn me out and she ain’t done. Netflix doesn’t release streaming info but I know it was record shattering, the Emmy’s, Golden Globes and Grammys will affirm all this. In the words of Queen Bey, “this my shit, bow down bitches”!!
If you weren’t inspired by this you may need to seek help. For the non-Bey folks, hating is bad. One’s success should not be a source of angst. What can you learn, how can you grow? For years I’ve said I’ll be the Beyonce of my research area. Watch me work!!!
