Latest news with #Knowles-Carter
USA Today
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
What to know about Beyoncé's Buffalo Soldiers T-shirt and their complicated role in history
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter wore a Buffalo Soldiers T-shirt during her Juneteenth performance in Paris, sparking online debate over the group's complicated legacy in U.S. history. During her international stint, Beyoncé donned a shirt with images of the Buffalo Soldiers — African American soldiers who served in the U.S. Army after the Civil War, primarily on the Western frontier. As part of their service, they built infrastructure, fought in the Indian Wars, and later served in conflicts like the Spanish-American War and World War I and World War II. They also participated in violent U.S. military campaigns against Indigenous peoples during westward expansion and land dispossession. On the back of her shirt there was a long description of the soldiers that read in part, 'their antagonists were the enemies of peace, order and settlement: warring Indians, bandits, cattle thieves, murderous gunmen, bootleggers, trespassers, and Mexican revolutionaries.' It's unclear where the passage originated. Some folks quickly criticized Beyoncé's wardrobe choice, specifically making note of the the phrase "enemies of peace" in relation to Indigenous people. One fan wrote, "Beyoncé wearing a Buffalo Soldiers shirt, an American army unit comprised exclusively of African Americans that helped European and White American colonists fight back Native Americans and seize control of their land, is not the serve she thinks it is." Another questioned, "Girl why I wake up and see Beyoncé calling Native Americans defending their home 'enemies of peace?'" Meanwhile, one fan offered another perspective on X, "Beyoncé wearing a Buffalo Soldiers T-shirt isn't glorifying genocide. It's a nod to a deeply complex and painful part of Black history — one that involves survival, contradiction and power structures that never had our best interest in mind." "Yes, these soldiers were involved in U.S. expansion and conflicts with Native nations," the fan wrote. "That's historical fact. But we have to zoom out: These Black men were used as tools in a white supremacist system they didn't control." These regiments were primarily composed of formerly enslaved Black men. They were deployed to support the U.S. government, which often meant using violence to seize land, resulting in the forced removal and destruction of Indigenous nations across the American West and the U.S.-Mexico border. Despite their role in the military, these soldiers faced intense racism and systemic discrimination within the very army they served. Riché Richardson, professor and chair in the Africana Studies and Research Center at Cornell University, said it's important to acknowledge both the realities and complexities when it comes to viewing this history. "American history is very charged, to be sure," she said. "It's about understanding the long-standing contributions that people of African descent have made to the military, and it's not been a perfect union. I think the challenge has always been to help create a more perfect union, and people of African descent have, in some cases, been complicit with policies that are detrimental to other populations. So I think it's important for there to be an acknowledgment of that." Richardson viewed the Buffalo Soldiers shirt in the context of Beyoncé's background. "I find her as a product of what I analyze as the Africana Southwest, as a Texas native," Richardson said. "So, given the themes associated with this most recent album and the concert tour, I presume that she's embracing the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers in tandem with that." The Buffalo Soldiers' complicated legacy doesn't solely consist of their contributions to the United States' westward expansion. According to the U.S. Department of Interior, the soldiers also served as some of the country's first park rangers. "These dedicated men protected wildlife from poachers, built trails and forged a proud legacy in our nation's history," the department wrote on social media. Richardson said the criticism of Beyoncé's shirt was valid and important, but she advised folks not to immediately jump to conclusions about the singer's messaging. "My inclination is not to think the worst of Beyoncé precisely because of her investments and critical thinking and her efforts to bring public attention to so many issues," she said. Richardson emphasized the importance of viewing Beyoncé's actions within the broader context of her career and activism. "I think she's gone out of her way in so many instances to try to impact lives and make a difference," Richardson said. "She's consistently compassionate. I think people should not draw conclusions, especially without adequate information. She's a performer. There's performance art. There are all kinds of things. At the very least, it's a teaching moment from which everyone can learn." She said it's important to remember that a single image doesn't always reflect a full endorsement or clear message. "I think it's always important for us to have awareness of the messages that we send, but I wouldn't necessarily just assume that wearing a shirt is an indicator of an endorsement of any particular ideas," Richardson said. "Because that certainly isn't in keeping with what we see and know of Beyoncé." Beyoncé is in the middle of her Cowboy Carter and the Rodeo Chitlin' Circuit Tour, which is in support of her album "Cowboy Carter." The project, which features emerging Black country artists and country legends alike, became a catalyst for the renewed spotlight on Black country artists and the genre's Black roots. The album has challenged music industry norms and sparked important conversations pertaining to the intersection of race and country music. The tour spans nine cities across the U.S. and Europe. The grand finale is set to take place in Las Vegas on July 26. Follow Caché McClay, the USA TODAY Network's Beyoncé Knowles-Carter reporter, on Instagram, TikTok and X as @cachemcclay.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Beyoncé heads to Washington, D.C.: Parking, bag policy, tailgating at Northwest Stadium
She's coming ... to the nation's capital! Beyoncé Knowles-Carter is headed to the Washington, D.C.-area for the next stop on her Cowboy Carter and the Rodeo Chitlin' Circuit Tour. She is set to perform two nights only at Northwest Stadium on the Fourth of July and again on July 7. The shows come after Beyoncé wrapped her two-night stint in her hometown of Houston. Of course, Beyoncé first debuted her "Cowboy Carter" tour at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on April 28 with 39 songs on the set list. Her shows have been filled with family, fashion, different music genres, and most notably country music and cultural commentary. Here's what to know as fans head to the stadium, located in Landover, Maryland. How to get to Northwest Stadium Just five miles east of Washington, D.C., Northwest Stadium is located at 1600 Ring Road in Landover. It is easily accessible by car, rideshare or public transportation. Attendees taking public transit are advised to take the Blue or Silver Lines to the Morgan Boulevard Metro Station. Turn left onto Garrett Morgan Boulevard and follow the sidewalk for less than a mile to the stadium. The rideshare pickup and drop-off is now located in the Red Zone Lot. Doors of the stadium open at 5 p.m local time. Meanwhile, the show is set to kick off at 7 p.m., though Beyoncé's actual start time has varied between 7 and 8 p.m. Important information about parking and tailgating Parking lots open at 3:30 p.m. local time, and tailgating prior to the concert is permitted. Concertgoers should park in the Red Zone Lot should they wish to tailgate as the spaces are wider. If driving, fans are encouraged to arrive early due to traffic. Fans may purchase parking onsite or in advance on the stadium's official website. Currently, parking spots start at $87 including fees. What's the weather in Washington, D.C., and the DMV-area? From the United States to Europe, Beyoncé and her fans have braved severe weather conditions, an evacuation, cold temperatures and rainy weather for her concerts. Fans should take note of the weather in their respective cities before putting on their chic cowboy-core attire. In Landover, Maryland, fans can expect some hot temperatures and sunny skies for both shows. It's important to stay hydrated before and during the nearly three-hour show. Forecasts predict 83 degrees Fahrenheit on July 4 and 88 degrees Farenheit expected for the July 7 concert. Bag policy at Northwest Stadium Fans must follow the NFL clear-bag policy at the stadium. Guests are allowed to bring bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12-by-6-by-12 inches. This includes clear backpacks, clear fanny packs and clear cinch bags. Attendees are also permitted to bring one-gallon clear plastic freezer bags, but the logo can only be on one side. Additionally, small, non-clear bags that do not exceed 4.5-by-6.5 inches, with or without a handle or strap, are allowed. Medical bags or kits are acceptable and will be searched at the gate. Small cameras and cell phones are allowed if they are carried in loosely or in an approved clear bag. Non-professional cameras with non-removable lenses are permitted as long as the lens is less than 5 inches in length. Signs must be handheld, event-related and in good taste, and cannot obstruct another guest's view. See a full list of prohibited items at The nine-city tour will span the U.S. and Europe with the grand finale taking place in Las Vegas on July 26. Follow Caché McClay, the USA TODAY Network's Beyoncé Knowles-Carter reporter, on Instagram, TikTok and X as @cachemcclay.
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
EXCLUSIVE: Levi's, Beyoncé Take Over Selfridges
LONDON — Levi Strauss & Co. and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter have wrapped themselves all around Selfridges for a takeover as part of the brand's ongoing collaboration with the musician. Some windows have been installed with red neon lights depicting a horse with Beyoncé posing in a full denim look, while others feature an outline illustration of her riding a horse. More from WWD London Fashion Week Impressed Buyers Despite Compact Schedule Beyoncé Puts Her Levi's Back On for Chapter 2 of Their Collaboration Beyoncé Celebrates Cécred's Ulta Launch in Satin Vivienne Westwood Corset Dress Partnering with Selfridges was a big deal for the denim brand. 'We are on a journey to become a $10 billion company and we have some key strategies in place — one of them being Selfridges and we're already seeing results there,' said Lucia Marcuzzo, Levi's general manager for Europe. The brand has been reshifting its wholesale business and watching its direct-to-consumer closely, where a lot of energy has been poured into the e-commerce website and its stores worldwide. Marcuzzo explained that Levi's doesn't want to cut off working with wholesale altogether, but to instead hone its relationships with its wholesale partners through meaningful activations and pop-ups. At Selfridges, the brand is expanding its presence with a bespoke shop that will be situated in the new Levi's space, which will be unveiled in May. 'We are excited to continue our partnership with Levi's, the leader in denim, as our customers consistently appreciate their classic styles,' said Bosse Myhr, director of menswear, womenswear and childrenswear buying at Selfridges. Outside of North American, Europe is Levi's largest region with a revenue of $1.6 billion. 'Europe has already advanced in our strategies that the company has laid out. The majority of revenue comes through direct-to-consumer channels in Europe. The denim market is pretty fragmented in Europe, there aren't that many big global players, so we're always in the top three rankings for denim,' said Marcuzzo. Europe is also the largest market for women's lifestyle products, a category that Levi's is on a mission to increase. The collaboration with Knowles-Carter has been an opportunity for the brand to grow their lifestyle lines and tap into a wider denim market beyond jeans. 'All the brand metrics in general and our women's line are growing significantly, outpacing the men's line, which is also growing,' said Marcuzzo about Knowles-Carter's impact on the brand. 'The engagement rate in our email channel was 30 percent higher than the standard and in general, where we see immediate effect is on the website and digital channels. The Beyoncé category saw double-digit demand growth,' she added. Levi's has been following the sound of music, naturally — as the brand is a staple of many musicians. Last year, the brand teamed with Arianne Phillips, the Academy Award-nominated costume designer of the Bob Dylan biopic 'A Complete Unknown' to release a capsule collection with Levi's Vintage Clothing line that instantly sold out. Best of WWD Macy's Is Closing 66 Stores in 2025 — Here's the List, Live Updates Inside the Demise of Lord & Taylor COVID-19 Spikes Elevate Retail Concerns
