Pop superstar, vocal powerhouse, and overall musical legend Beyoncé Knowles stole the show at MTV’s Video Music Awards (VMAs) last night. Her honored guests, the mothers of four black men killed young, and violently, were invited.
They included Michael Brown’s mother, Lesley McSpadden-Head; Trayvon Martin’s mother, Sybrina Fulton; Oscar Grant’s mother, Wanda Johnson and Eric Garner’s mother, Gwen Carr.
They all appeared with Beyoncé on the white carpet prior to the show:
The mothers of Mike Brown, Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner & Oscar Grant at the #VMAs tonight ❤️? pic.twitter.com/U8qzcvM2pK
— BEYONCÉ LEGION (@BeyLegion) August 28, 2016
The singer has made some controversial moves in the eyes of some during the past few years with her career, starting with the release of the song and video for the song “Formation,” released shortly before Super Bowl 50 this past February.
It was easily Beyoncé’s most political song up to that point, with the video referencing racism, police brutality, and Black pride. The ensuing album, “Lemonade,” is full of more of the same. The album received large amounts of praise for its message and musicality but also criticism for perceived anti-police message.
All four women featured in Lemonade’s visual version of the album, a move that touched Michael Brown’s mother, Lesley McSpadden-Head. In an interview with Rolling Stone she said:
“I tried to hold it together, but anytime I’m talking about my son – looking at a picture – I just think about all that’s gone and how he had so much ahead of him… So I appreciate her for being bold enough to confront things and be sensitive at the same time.”
During the awards, Beyoncé performed a medley of songs from the album, and music critics are saying that it was the highlight of the whole night.
MTV posted the full performance from last night on Facebook.
What else is there to say but “slay, Queen.” She always does.
Feature image via Youtube screengrab
