Louis Farrakhan, the religious leader of the Nation of Islam and the Fruit of Islam (FOI), has offered to provide security for Beyonce’s sold out “Formation” Tour kick-off in Tampa. Farrakhan spoke at a packed convention at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit Sunday. The Detroit Free Press quotes the outspoken pro-black minister referencing the Police Union and saying,
“You won’t offer her police protection, but the FOI will.”
The Nation of Islam leader referred to Beyonce as his “sweet sister.”
Beyonce Is Criticized For Using Freedom Of Speech
Beyonce has received widespread criticism from law enforcement, political officials (including former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani) and everyday people who feel her Super Bowl 50 “Formation” performance was anti-police.
Police Want An Apology For Criticism, But Haven’t Apologized For Killings
They want an apology from Beyonce for her routine which included a tribute to women members of the Black Panther Party (BPP). Queen Bey’s “Formation” video and routine denounces police brutality and the murders of unarmed black men, women, and children. In the video, tagging on a brick wall reads, “Stop Shooting US!” Bey’s Super Bowl half-time performance aligned with the 50th anniversary of the founding BPP Oakland, CA chapter.
‘Formation’s Message Celebrates The Tenacity Of Black Women
Proponents of the entertainer stand behind her using the Super Bowl as a platform to deliver a message that implores respect be given to Black and brown communities living under state policing. Following the Super Bowl an anti-Beyonce protest rally was organized by police supporters.
Black Panther History Has Been Twisted
A documentary on the community work of the Black Panther Party aired last Tuesday on PBS. Ignorance is no excuse: anyone unfamiliar with the pro-black group that fed black communities need only have tuned in or picked up a book.
Those unfamiliar or living with a twisted version of Panther history liken the group to the Ku Klux Klan Hate Group who reigned terror on black families and communities for over two centuries. Lynchings were common and sanctioned by the U.S. government. Let’s be very clear, the KKK is still active today, albeit in hoods.
Panthers protected black communities by providing armed self-defense tactics. Anyone in their right mind would fight back in defense when armed terrorist operate with impunity. The FBI worked hand in hand with police to make sure the Panthers were dismantled and officers and members annihilated.
Anti-Beyonce Protest Rally Was A Major Flop
Following the Super Bowl an Anti-Beyonce protest rally was organized by police supporters. The Feb. 16 rally took place outside of New York city NFL HQ. New York Post.com reports, only one Anti-Beyonce protester showed up. Quite a contrast to the Beyhive which planned a counter Anti-Anti-Beyonce: Get In Formation Protest Rally. Hundreds of women decked out in all black Formation gear came out in support of Beyonce.
Police Unions Are Divided On Providing Security Detail
Media reported Police Unions would not supply security for the sold-out Miami Formation Tour kick-off. Stating again that Beyonce is anti-police. A recent Twitter post showed that some Tampa officers are supportive. Department sentiment varies with some saying they can’t force officers to to sign up, nor stop others from working the event if they so choose.
The Show Will Go On: Farrakhan and FOI Stand In Full Support
While the police go back and forth in deciding whether to support or abstain, there are plenty of black owned security firms qualified to provide crowd control. This includes Farrakhan’s (FOI). Either way, the Beyhive awaits and the show will go on.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlOK2Lykm2A
Featured image is by Arnie Papp, available under a Creative Commons 2.0 license.
