Homecoming, Beychella Style!
Coachella was NOT ready…obviously
🚨🚨spoiler alert: if you have NOT seen Beychella, exit now, watch it, then return to this article!!🚨🚨 (You’ve been warned).
Stunning, extravagant, sheer amazement, “Yasssss Bey”… are a number of ways viewers, both online and in-person, described the jaw-dropping performance by the one and only Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter over the last two weekends in Coachella, California.
After almost two years, two kids, a halted headline, extensive workouts, and a little motivation from Blue Ivy Carter, the moment the world had been waiting for arrived… it could finally “carry on.” Beyoncé took viewers on a super Black, Historically Black College/University, National Pan-Hellenic Council, drum-line, Black excellence, extraordinary experience.
From intro to exit, Beyoncé — as she does so effortlessly — offered viewers, fans, the Beyhive, and of course YOUR favs fave, something to aspire to and even more importantly, something to feel connected to, something to appreciate, and something to love. Beyoncé, in this moment, surely spoke to the very core of Blackness…HBCU culture.
However, despite so many being overjoyed at Queens Bey’s return, there were also some who felt that Mrs. Carter was doing more appropriating than appreciating.
Now, for those who are unaware, Beyoncé has never attended an HBCU, performed in a drum-line, or pledged a sorority (specifically a Black one). Despite these things, Beyoncé’s Coachella set was filled with parts of each.
As a current HBCU student, I was personally amazed at how much thought and consideration was put into the performance. I felt like, finally, someone was sharing with the world how much impact HBCUs have. Honestly, the very essence that is America, which is Black culture.
Yes, I understand that we do not need to be validated by anyone, as we know how powerful we are, however, to this very second our institutions are being discredited, ridiculed, underfunded, unsupported and left to fend for themselves. So a household name like Beyoncé, utilizing her platform to shine some light and basically say “I see you,” is heartwarming to say the least.
I have to be fair in this though, as someone who is not a member of an NPHC organization, I do understand fully how Beyoncé’s attempted execution of a probate could be considered more appropriation than appreciation.
[before folks get all mad, understand that the opinions regarding this particular subject (NPHC) are from discussions I have had with members of the NPHC.]
Greek culture is a very intimate and intricate part of HBCU culture. Specifically, the NPHC is a culmination of organizations that have stood in the gap for Black and Brown students in education for over 100 years. I do not know the specifics, but I do know, that those who have had the opportunity to pledge a NPHC sorority or fraternity do not take the process or the initiation lightly.
On one hand, from a GDI perspective, Beyoncé is simply highlighting another part of the culture that is the HBCU experience. On the other hand (opinions by others) there is a potential that proper research was not done and the portrayal of such an intimate and almost delicate experience, is a bit too much for a public audience such as Coachella.
Outside of that specific piece, I think Beyoncé’s public appreciation for Black culture, HBCU culture, and Black people was beautifully unapologetic. Even offering us community and sisterhood with the inclusion of: HBCU alumni, NPHC members, Jay-Z, Solangé and former Destiny’s Child group members Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams.
Could it have happen at an earlier time in her career? Maybe… but the fact that it’s happening now is what’s important. It was extremely encouraging to watch and I am more than sure it gave hope and inspired so many.
HBCUs have been (and continue to be) taken for granted. In all four of my amazing years at Morehouse, I’ve had to defend time and again my reasoning for choosing HBCU.
HBCU students are frowned upon. Told our education is worthless and of course offered the played out rhetoric of how the world is more than Black culture of even how reincorporating ourselves into the “real world” is going to be a daunting task. Yet, we still push forward.
Now, Beychella has already caused a few shenanigans to take place, as many members of the Hive, are now claiming to have pledged Beta Delta Kappa (Beyoncé’s made up sorternity) and sporting “greek” paraphernalia, but it is all in good fun.
An HBCU student, who more than understands the importance of institutions like mine, I appreciate Beyoncé for showcasing just how much impact we can and already do have on this tasteless, unseasoned, undercooked world.
Prayerfully, this charges some other people to get in formation, especially since Beyoncé and her team dropped ANOTHER scholarship through her BeyGood initiative, to support students attending HBCUs.
Personally, Beyoncé looked stunning and gave an amazing show, as expected. This exponential wave of Blackness is beautiful quite honestly, I am excited to see what’s next.
