View from Ground Zero: Formation in the Bay
I was all caught up in the festive mood of this past weekend. After partying all night, then trekking through Super Bowl City the day before, it was finally time for the big game and the ritual Super Bowl Sunday celebration with family and friends.
Beyonce’s halftime performance on our home turf after dropping that video King Bey style was like a cherry on top for all the ladies watching. What a culturally appropriate visual treat! I can only speak for myself, but “Formation” made me feel like a woman; appealing to my sense of pride through a feminine display of passion, and a mothers love. Using symbolism that bypasses the conscious mind. I really wish that singing, dancing and having our swag on fleek could take us to the promise land but it won’t.
It’s hard to watch her in a room full of men. Black women understand that Beyonce is now a verb. We get our “Beyonce” on don’t we! When we’re stepping out sexy but not too ratchet, or as ratchet as we want to be; and that’s just it …we feel in control of how we direct our feminine energy. For this reason I couldn’t wait to see Bey slay. What I did not expect was the Party that hit the floor.
Homage is due to the warrior spirit that was once rooted here in the Bay Area. Was Bey checking to see if some viable fruit remains sprouting from this newly gentrified soil? Are there any real Sistas out here willing to speak truth to power? To talk about how displaced and disillusioned we are by the promises of higher education and a tech industry boom that has shaken our very foundation hard as any earthquake that we have endured to date; showing us that we are no longer welcomed here.
Get’em Bey! Make us sing, rap, dance in just one show. Teach us how to “Beyonce”. Just don’t try to rock us back to sleep. I wish gettin’ us free could always look that good and feel so fly. A beautiful struggle indeed. Flawless.
But when we change that word to FEARLESS, then who do we have to behold?
Let’s talk about Asata Shakur. Framed and detained in a high security prison for MEN, exiled and still Americas Most Wanted to this day because she chose to ride or die, not for one man, but for every man woman and child suffering injustice and oppression. Joanne Chesimard you are welcomed here, because you are FEARLESS.
Then let’s look to Afeni Shakur. Imprisoned while pregnant with our prince. Fighting conspiracy charges labeled a terrorist with the Panther 21. This loquacious queen slayed the court room, defeating the prosecutors case BY HERSELF at trail without legal representation. Afeni Shakur you are welcomed here, because you are FEARLESS.
As much a we love you Bey, the powers will never fear the timber in your voice or the way your hips sway. No matter how low you drop that thang, they know its not loaded.
The sacred movement of your limbs have been monetized and appropriated. But, still there is something to be said for your softer approach.
I will say this to every Black female woman and child~ you should be as free as Bey with your creative expression.
Thank you Beyonce, for the professional exhibition of your talent. The spells that you cast give us rest from a nefarious reality. You too are welcomed here. The news of your generosity spreads far and wide. We’ll see you again soon to kick off your #FORMATION tour.
The ladies in the Bay are outchea! We are in formation, not by choice but by circumstance. We WOKE UP like this~ FEARLESS.
