Tina Lawson Admits She Was Worried About Beyoncé’s Coachella Performance Because Of…Well, White People
Beyoncé is known, today, for being much more than an other-worldly artist, by commercial and performance standards. She has grown into a conscious force of creating necessary dialogue and acclaim surrounding some of the most overlooked issues in America — specifically, those that affect the African-American community.
This admirable outlook served as a point of concern for her mother, Tina Lawson, who admitted that she was nervous that her daughter's rousing Coachella set would be "confusing" for white people, but she explained that Bey's honorable response gave her the security she needed.
In an Instagram post, Lawson first shared a quote taken from a flawless review of Beyoncé's Coachella set. In her caption, she went on to explain that she was "afraid" by the possible reaction of the "predominantly white audience" that viewed the performance, in person.
She said she thought the "Black culture and Black college culture" might not be something the audience would get.
However, her superstar daughter gave her a response that she said made her feel "a bit selfish and ashamed," in the best way possible.
"She said, 'I have worked very hard to get to the point where I have a true voice and at this point in my life and my career, I have a responsibility to do what's best for the world and not what is most popular,'" she recalled.
She went on to say that Beyoncé’s ultimate hope was that after seeing the show and the rich culture it exhibited, "young people would research this culture and see how cool it is, and young people black and white would listen to 'Lift Every Voice And Sing' and see how amazing the words are for us all and bridge the gap."
Lastly, Lawson added that the "Freedom" singer hoped that her pro-Black performance would "encourage young kids to enroll in our amazing Historically Black Colleges and Universities."
She ended it all by simply stating, "I stand corrected."
If there was any possible doubt in one's mind that Beyoncé was not here for the culture and to help propel it forward, this should debunk it and then some. An admirable and generous legend, indeed.
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