Beyoncé has outdone herself once again.
Black Parade
Queen Bey just dropped a new and timely song called ‘Black Parade’ last Juneteenth weekend as part of an initiative of the same name. The initiative is set to promote and bring awareness to Black-owned small businesses.
Speaking to her 149 million followers on Instagram, the pop diva shared the song, and its goal, which is to ‘celebrate you, your voice and your joy’ despite the difficult struggles society is facing. The 38-year-old singer also reminded her followers to remember their own beauty, strength, and power.
Those interested in a directory of Black-owned businesses that were curated by Beyoncé’s own stylist can visit the singer’s official website. Companies on the list come from a variety of actors, from beauty to food to fashion and more.
The song ‘Black Parade’ is Beyoncé’s latest solo work following ‘The Gift’, the soundtrack album that accompanied the 2019 film ‘The Lion King’, which she also starred in.
What Juneteenth Is
‘Black Parade’ being released on June 19, 2020, is significant as it coincides with the commemoration of Juneteenth, a historic celebration that originated from Beyoncé’s home state of Texas.
The first Juneteenth was celebrated two years following President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. The declaration effectively freed all slaves in all states from their masters.
However, several Southern states failed to enact it. Juneteenth particularly pertains to Union army general Gordon Granger’s proclamation on June 19, 1865, which freed all slaves in Texas.
The fateful day is still celebrated by Black people in the United States, with only South Dakota, North Dakota, and Hawaii not acknowledging the Juneteenth. Efforts are still underway to make the day a national holiday.
Powerful Voice
Beyoncé’s actions following the death of George Floyd and the reigniting of the Black Lives Matter movement have been praised by many.
With millions of followers both online and offline, the singer holds the power to influence a lot of people and educate them on matters of racial inequality and the like.
Unfortunately, her vocal support for her people and the change they want to see in American society have also been met with flack from more conservative outlets and commenters.
Some have even accused the star of inspiring violence against the police. For example, she’s been labeled as ‘anti-cop’ by the far-right news outlet Breitbart News.