In what might be one of the evening’s most radical moments, Beyoncé and her backup performers appeared to make reference to controversial and even racist figures during her halftime performance of ‘Formation’ at the Super Bowl.
The nature of the costumes worn by the backup dancers paid homage to the Black Panthers, and perhaps the current Black Lives Matter movement. At one point, the dancers form an ‘X’ shaped formation that may have been a nod to Malcolm X. The references were noticed by Black Lives Matter activist Deray McKesson.
The #Formation shout-outs to Malcolm X & MJ were excellent. #SB50
— deray mckesson (@deray) February 8, 2016
Beyoncé’s choice of song, ‘Formation,’ also had racial undertones. The lyrics are as follows:
My daddy Alabama, Momma Louisiana
You mix that negro with that Creole make a Texas bamma
I like my baby hair, with baby hair and afros
I like my negro nose with Jackson Five nostrils…
I did not come to play with you hoes, haha
I came to slay, bitch
I like cornbreads and collared greens, bitch…
El Camino with the seat low
Sippin’ Cuervo with no chaser
Sometimes I go off, I go off
I go hard, I go hard…
When he f— me good I take his ass to Red Lobster, cause I slay
If he hit it right, I might take him on a flight on my chopper, cause I slay…
The dancers wore berets and black leather. At one time during the performance outstretched their fists in unison. This gesture is similar one known as the black power salute, a salute that gained in popularity amongst members of the Black Panther movement of the 1960s. The berets worn by the dancers were also a trademark of the Black Panther uniform.
After the performance, the dancers were photographed with fists again raised in salute.
Beyoncés dancers in black berets at #SB50 paying homage to the Black Panthers 50 years after their #formation in ’66 pic.twitter.com/YXpzBkkm6s
— The Dream Defenders (@Dreamdefenders) February 8, 2016
The Black Panthers were known for their extremist views on race, violence, and anti-government sentiment. The FBI describes the group as:
“… a black extremist organization founded in Oakland, California in 1966. It advocated the use of violence and guerilla tactics to overthrow the U.S. government. In 1969, the FBI’s Charlotte Field Office opened an investigative file on the BPP to track its militant activities, income, and expenses. This release consists of Charlotte’s file on BPP activities from 1969 to 1976.”
J. Edgar Hoover, then director of the FBI, called the Black Panthers “the greatest threat to the internal security of the country.”
It’s important to note that February 7th not only marked the Super Bowl’s 50th anniversary, but also marked 50 years since the Black Panthers’ formation. At a time when racial tensions in America may be at its worst point in decades, it seems unwise to celebrate the Black Panthers during America’s most-watched sports event.
Watch the performance below:
