Not only was Beyonce’s performance at the Super Bowl halftime show incredible to watch – it was filled with political messages that ran much deeper than just the singing.
First off, viewers were quick to notice the similarities between the performers’ black leather uniform, complete with studded bullets, black berets and afro hair, and the style worn by members of the 1966 Black Panther Party.
The date of the Super Bowl also marked the 50th anniversary of the formation of the revolutionary political group, which led people to interpret this as a powerful nod to black history.
Thanks #Beyonce for cleverly celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Black Panther Party thru costume.
Very clever. pic.twitter.com/2KLLTTafBe— Chaplin (@songsbychaplin) February 8, 2016
Beyoncés dancers in black berets at #SB50 paying homage to the Black Panthers 50 years after their #formation in '66 pic.twitter.com/YXpzBkkm6s
— The Dream Defenders (@Dreamdefenders) February 8, 2016
(AP)
Then, during her performance of latest track Formation, the dancers moved to form the shape of a giant X on the field with clenched fists in the air, believed to be a reference to prolific human rights activist Malcolm X.
Powerful: #Beyonce & crew pay tribute to Malcolm X at #SuperBowl, with Black Panthers headgear. #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/Sdg1rd4uW7
— Amro Ali (@_amroali) February 8, 2016
The gesture didn’t go unnoticed by DeRay Mckesson, one of the main organisers of the Black Lives Matter campaign – which is being increasingly linked to Formation, with fans hailing it as the perfect anthem for the movement.
The #Formation shout-outs to Malcolm X & MJ were excellent. #SB50
— deray mckesson (@deray) February 8, 2016
this is one of the most powerful images ever. music with a message. beyonce killed this video. #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/T6QKREmlKT
— camEEla cabeYo (@camilacabello97) February 7, 2016
Revolutionary. Queen. Formation. Beyoncé. Black lives matter. pic.twitter.com/c3wa4Tbqlp
— Veincaptures (@veincaptures) February 7, 2016
And finally, at the end of the performance, the backing dancers posed for cameras with a sign reading ‘Justice 4 Mario Woods‘ – in reference to a 26-year-old black man who was reportedly shot 15 times by police in San Francisco (the same area as the Super Bowl stadium).
Activists with the Black Lives Matter movement have been protesting since the fatal shooting happened on December 2 2015, saying that Woods, who was reportedly carrying a knife, could have been stopped in a non-lethal way. But now awareness of the case, which is being investigated by the US Department of Justice, has been catapulted to new, probably unforeseen heights thanks to Beyonce and her dancers using their truly global platform for politics.
Beyonce's dancers paid tribute to #MarioWoods, black man killed by San Francisco police. #SB50 #BlackLives pic.twitter.com/m2Pl9i5qKL
— Jamilah King (@jamilahking) February 8, 2016
Now Beyonce isn’t one to shy away from making a statement – remember her VMAs performance in 2014 where the word ‘FEMINIST‘ was proudly projected behind her in big, bold capital letters? But this is potentially her most radical move yet. And fans absolutely love her for it.
You gotta respect Beyonce for bringing the BLACK LIVES MATTER MESSAGE to the superbowl.
— JamesDeanOnTheLow (@RobynIsMyGal) February 8, 2016
Thank you for standing up for LGBT and black lives! You are my queen! @Beyonce pic.twitter.com/EormsKIs0v
— Ashley Spry (@Ashley_spry09) February 8, 2016
Beyonce, backed by 50 black women with afros dressed black panthers, is telling the world that #BlackLivesMatter #SB50
— Jas Waters (@JasFly) February 8, 2016
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