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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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