By Sarah Byron
Whether you listen to her music or not, it’s tough to deny the immense power and influence of Beyoncé. With her most recent musical and visual album release Lemonade, Beyoncé has utilized her fame and notoriety to bring a spotlight on political and social issues, as well as to redefine the black southern antebellum woman.
In “How #BlackLivesMatter Started a Musical Revolution,” Daphne Brooks explains that Beyoncé’s music (especially Lemonade) and her performances challenge us to engage and fight against political and social injustices. She writes Beyoncé, “provides us with a global stage on which we can get in formation with her…to withstand the brutality of repressive law enforcement in our daily lives.” Beyoncé brings this issue to the forefront, charging us to become active protesters against the racial and cultural injustices that permeate throughout our society.
On The Record, Regina Bradley and Dream Hampton discuss Lemonade and how it redefined southern black women. The two agree that in Lemonade, “the antebellum south serves as an entry point for Beyoncé to recognize the historical and cultural horrors of black womanhood while reclaiming the survival techniques passed down over time.” In this way, Beyoncé is redefining the black southern woman, revitalizing her image and extolling her ability to endure, reclaim and prosper.
In addition to her incredible musical talent, Beyoncé’s political activism will continue to propel her into the center of societies spotlight.
The videos attached showcase other examples of black activism by other artists. This goes to show that the sentiments Beyoncé shares in her music are echoed by many other artists.
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