As a black woman, I used to feel like the world wanted me to stay in my little box. And black women often feel underestimated. I wanted us to feel proud… – Beyonce
Beyonce recently released Homecoming, a Netflix documentary and live album of her 2018 Coachella concert performance. Her intent is to educate as well entertain. Much like a good essay, Beyonce presents her argument clearly at the beginning of her performance. Her song Freedom, reminds the audience of a goal for equality and liberty for all Americans. She then includes a verse of Lift Ev’ry Voice And Sing by civil-rights activist James Weldon Johnson which is regarded by many as the Black National Anthem to this day.
The voices of other significant historical figures are also included such as Marian Wright Edelman’s quote that “You can’t be what you can’t see.” Beyonce takes this quote to heart and turns her attention those whose voices and dreams have been muted. First, Beyonce highlights the talents of other women, such as her lead-guitarist, bassist, drummer as well as a myriad of female dancers and band members. Several times during the concert, she surrenders center-stage so that other women can shine. Second, by revealing her own struggles to assert herself, Beyonce empowers black women to be strong and have a voice within their personal relationships. Finally, Beyonce uses her own story of success to encourages black women to keep perservering despite the many challenges they face. Beyonce reminds us that she is the “first black women to headline Coachella.” By leading by example, Beyonce is on a mission to help black women “see” all that they can be.
As she educates the audience, Beyonce doesn’t forget to entertain as well. The performance turns into a family party with appearances of Jay-Z, Destiny’s Child and her sister Solange. One of the most memorable moments occurs when Solange and Beyonce dance together in such a carefree way that the audience can’t help be reminded of the innocence of childhood. Beyonce sums up her creation of Homecoming by saying: “I’m so lucky and grateful that I’m able to take all these crazy ideas and actually make them into something that heals peoples that may spark vision in people. That shows them to dream big, that shows them that they are limitless.”
Throughout the Bible, we learn of God’s heart for the oppressed. We see his heart for Israel when they are enslaved in Egypt. God says: “I have heard their groaning and have come down to deliver them. (Acts 7:34a)” Jesus asks his followers to care about those people whom society pushes to the margins. Beyonce uses her cultural power to encourage the oppressed as they struggle to be valued and heard. No matter our race or gender, we can all benefit from listening and engaging with the experiences of other humans through Homecoming. It will educate and entertain!
Note: Those sensitive to profanity may want to use caution when viewing or listening to Homecoming.
Click here to read a version of this article published by The Banner on May 31, 2019.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqYxrQz4vTo?autoplay=1&rel=0]