How does that saying go? When life gives you lemons, make lemonade? Last night we were once again graced with the magic that is (oh my god, I don’t even believe I’m about to say this) Beyoncé. Full disclosure – until about a year ago, I had never been down with the Beyhive. I mean she had some tracks that were definitely on repeat, but there was just something about her that didn’t quite click for me. It may have been because I felt that she never showed her true self. She seemed above it all – virtually untouchable.Despite the rumors, the infamous elevator incident, the divorce talks and all that jazz, she seemed unfazed and I just was not buying it. However, I could relate to the pressure of perception and then began to realize that having to be “picture perfect” all the time wear on your very being.
Earlier this year, during the most anticipated half-time show in my lifetime, Queen Bey came out and using all of her talents put on a show that celebrated her blackness, feminism, motherhood, marriage and everything else you could have possibly imagined. No longer was she the soft-spoken American sweetheart. She pushed the proverbial red button on conservative society and touched topics which were swept underneath the rug. Formation was on repeat for just about everyone and we began to see the real Bey – it was a little jarring but I was there for ALL OF IT, and admit it – so were you. Since then, we’ve all been collectively holding our breath for the album release. In classic Beyoncé style – she went silent and then she teased us with this…
We didn’t know what it was going to be, but we did know that it was going to be something HUGE. All over social media and even in general conversation everyone was asking…what does she mean by Lemonade? Is it her album release, a short movie, a mini-concert? No, it was #blackgirlmagic. Unlike her previous documentary on HBO, she answered all of our questions – this was the Beyoncé truth event. From her childhood, her relationship with her father, divorce and cheating rumors with Jay-Z, motherhood…she took us through every emotion and snatched our collective edges. She basically said, I can show you better than I can tell you and I’m going to show you the best way I know how. She dug deep – and Jesus was just not enough. She summoned her African ancestors and had them cleanse her soul with her grandmother’s Lemonade. She showed everybody what it meant to be a #QueenBey. She let us know that she is far from perfect, beautifully flawed, but knows she’s a winner.
Most people who know me know that I am a thug when it comes to baring my soul publicly. However, after seeing this masterpiece and identifying with almost every stage of her journey (oh my god, I’ve said too much), I was all like…
That has brought me to the final stage in her journey…Redemption. This is a new season and from one winner to another…step out ladies and show everyone that #blackgirlmagic.
