Alabama official say there’s a plan against Zika virus

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May 12, 2016

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) _ Alabama will never wipe out its mosquito population _ which might literally bite for some.

thinkstockphotos-490993029-750xx3867-2175-0-202 — There has been 67 investigations and three confirmed cases this year of travel-related cases of the Zika virus in Alabamians. (THINKSTOCK PHOTO)

But Alabama Department of Public Health officials believe they have a plan for residence to protect themselves from the Zika virus, which is becoming more prevalent in South and Central America along with some American territories including Puerto Rico, the Montgomery Advertiser reported. State officials are aggressively moving forward to educate the public if the virus makes its way to the Yellowhammer State.

Infection with the Zika virus causes only mild symptoms in the majority of the cases, but an apparent link to birth defects and other pregnancy-related poor outcomes has been associated with infection during pregnancy.

“If a mosquito is carrying a disease, it is more than just a nuisance,” said Andy Mullins, director of emergency preparedness with the Alabama Department of Public Health, and who oversees the state’s Zika Action Plan. “We have a plan. We are revising it now. There are several mosquito-borne diseases that have been problematic for years.”

Mullins added: “How to protect yourself from the bite does not change. There is one stage where we are now, in that people have traveled, been bitten and have returned to the state.””

There have been 67 investigations and three confirmed cases this year of travel-related cases of the Zika virus in Alabamians. These mosquitoes are the same species that transmit dengue and chikungunya viruses which have also been associated with travel-related illness over the past few years. There have been recent reports that Zika virus may also be spread through blood transfusion and sexual contact.

Zika virus is transmitted primarily through the bites of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.

The virus may spread from mother to infant around the time of birth. It also may be possible to spread the virus from a mother to her baby during pregnancy.

“To the best of our knowledge, the virus is not in mosquitoes in Alabama right now,” Mullins said.

Legislature passes laws to strengthen Birmingham’s mayor

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Birmingham Times

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May 9, 2016

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By Barnett Wright

Times staff writer

State lawmakers this week passed two pieces of legislation that will likely give Birmingham Mayor William Bell more power.

The bills change how Birmingham Water Works Board (BWWB) members are selected and how appointments are made to other city boards and agencies.

Both modifications were vehemently opposed by a number of residents, Birmingham city council members and organizations, including the Gatekeepers Association of Alabama (GAA), which includes nearly 40 influential pastors from across Jefferson County, who said state lawmakers and city officials needed to discuss changes before action was taken.

Under the new legislation, the council will appoint four members to the BWWB and the mayor will appoint two. Currently, the Birmingham City Council appoints all five members to the board, which is expected to grow to six members next year.

Under the second law, some changes to the Mayor-Council Act, which lays the ground rules for Birmingham’s municipal government, prohibits councilors from serving as voting members of city boards and calls for the election of new council president and president pro-tempore every two years.

Supporters of the bills say the measures would help foster a better working relationship between the council and the mayor. Opponents say the move is a power grab intended to weaken the council and strengthen the mayor.

‘Enough is enough.’ YWCA Brings Awareness to Rash of Domestic Violence Murders

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Birmingham Times

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May 6, 2016

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By Ariel Worthy
Times staff reporter

October is usually Domestic Violence Awareness Month, but because of recent multiple killings in Birmingham, the YWCA decided waiting until this fall was too long to bring awareness to the issue.

“In six weeks at least six people, including two unborn babies, were killed as a result of a senseless crime,” said Yolanda Sullivan, Central Alabama YWCA chief executive officer. “Enough is enough.”

Women rally as they “black out” domestic violence. The black out was held by the YWCA, to bring awareness to domestic violence and the consequences of not speaking out against it. (Ariel Worthy/Birmingham Times)

One of the six victims was Nakía Harris who would have been 19 on (Tuesday) May 10.

Harris’s mother, Lakeisha Harris, was among those who wore black to honor the lives of the women who have been killed as a result of domestic violence.

Harris lost Nakía on March 21.

“You need to let someone know that you care about them,” Durham said.

“He told detectives that they never argued or fought,” Harris said of Nakía’s boyfriend, Joshua Watson, who is now charged with capital murder. “He said she was upset because he wouldn’t let her use the car and he just snapped and he shot my baby.”

Harris said Nakía was holding her 19-month old son in her arms when she was shot. She was also seven months pregnant when she was killed.

Harris said her concern was that there were never any signs of abuse in her daughter’s relationship.

“Even if I did miss any sign of it I have always prayed for my daughter and made sure she prayed,” Harris said.

Harris said it’s important for people to have someone they trust in their lives to go to about these types of issues.

IMG_1999 (1) — Lakeisha Harris stands with her 19-month-old grandson Kaleb. Harris’s daughter Nakía Harris was shot in the head after an act of domestic violence by her boyfriend. (Ariel Worthy/Birmingham Times)

“If you feel scared or threatened to get out, there are people who can help you get out of those situations, like the YWCA,” Harris said. “Someone is always willing to help you, and don’t be afraid to speak out. Speak out before it’s too late.”

Suzanne Durham, former CEO of the YWCA, said, “We’re in mourning. The YWCA wants to make sure that people are aware of the resources, but (the rally is) also a call-out about domestic violence.”

Durham said a lot of people are intimidated about getting involved in domestic violence cases, but should not be.

“You need to let someone know that you care about them,” Durham said.

The Family Justice Center (FJC) joined the YWCA at the rally.

The FJC, which also helps victims of sexual assault, is a partnership comprised of the district attorney’s office, the Birmingham Police Department and the Crisis Center.

“Going to a police officer on your own can be intimidating,” Allison Dearing, executive director of the FJC, said. “So here you can come to someone and they will help you with the process and you won’t have to go through it alone.”

Instead of asking for help and being sent to different locations around the city (such as the YWCA for shelter, the police department to file a report) the FJC has everyone that a victim might need in one place.

The FJC is currently available on Wednesdays from 9 a.m to 4 p.m. and because of the growing crisis will be available four days a week, starting later this month.

For additional help go to OnePlaceBirmingham.com.

After losing mom to cancer, Parker High student awarded scholarship to ASU

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Birmingham Times

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May 5, 2016

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By Ariel Worthy

Times staff writer

It was Zaria Ball’s first day back after missing almost a month of school, and she was not ready to be back.

Until she got a call from Darrell Hudson, principal of Parker High School.

Boyd presented Zaria the first Rosa Belle Crawford Scholarship in the amount of $50,000.

“Mr. Hudson was like ‘You’ve got to come to school today,’ and when he called my dad it was a wrap; I knew I had to come.”

Zaria, 18, spent four weeks by her mother’s side at the hospital as she battled colon cancer. Her mother, Marnelia Bowdry, lost her battle on April 8.

“It was hard,” Zaria said. “I just wanted to stay at home with my grandma and my sister.”

She is doing better now, just taking each day slowly.

Last Thursday was Awards Day at A.H. Parker High School and Zaria sat with her peers as they listened to Alabama State University President Gwendolyn Boyd speak to the Class of 2016.

An emotional Zaria covered her face as her classmates stood and cheered for her. Her grandmother, Marion Ayers, and her father, Steve Ball, ran to her and surrounded her with a hug.

“I have one more very special scholarship to give today to a very special young lady,” Boyd said, referring to Zaria.

Boyd presented Zaria the first Rosa Belle Crawford Scholarship in the amount of $50,000.

“It’s for students who have great potential and just need that ray of sunshine, that ray of hope that says ‘You are going to make it,’ and we are going to help you get there,” Boyd said of the scholarship.

The scholarship was for students who had worked hard and overcome adversity and challenges.

An emotional Zaria covered her face as her classmates stood and cheered for her. Her grandmother, Marion Ayers, and her father, Steve Ball, ran to her and surrounded her with a hug.

“She pushed education,” Zaria said. “Since she didn’t finish, she would always tell me, ‘I need you to go college.’ It’s something she has always instilled in me.”

“I was nervous,” Zaria said after hearing her name. “I started crying because I was not expecting it at all,”

Boyd said she understood Ball’s situation because she had also lost her mother to cancer at 13.

“My heart absolutely goes out to those young people who have a tremendous loss early in their lives,” Boyd said. “We’re going to look out for her and make sure she gets the very best of whatever she wants to pursue at Alabama State University (ASU) and beyond. We are going to be there for her.”

Principal Darrell Hudson said no one is more deserving of the scholarship than Zaria.

“She’s been great,” he said. “I’ve seen her blossom into a great young lady; she has matured tremendously, and I expect to see great things from her in the future.”

Zaria wants to study sociology at ASU and pursue a career in that field. She would also be the first from her family to graduate from college.

She said her mother, who also attended ASU, would be proud . . . “her first baby is going to college. She didn’t finish, so she’d be like ‘oh, my goodness you’re going to college,’” Zaria said through tears.

“She pushed education,” Zaria said. “Since she didn’t finish, she would always tell me, ‘I need you to go college.’ It’s something she has always instilled in me.”

Urban League’s Young Professionals reflect on 10 years of success and service

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Birmingham Times

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May 5, 2016

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By Ariel Worthy

Times staff writer

BUYLPMixer0505 — The Young Professionals (YP) have scheduled June 9-12 for the celebration. More than 1,100 young men and women have volunteered since 2006.

After 10 years of community service, the Young Professionals auxiliary of the Birmingham Urban League will have a four-day weekend celebrating its first decade.

“We’ve made a great impact in the community,” said Kamonte Kelly, president of the Birmingham Urban League Young Professionals. “That was one of the things that drew me to the organization four years ago.”

The Young Professionals (YP) have scheduled June 9-12 for the celebration. More than 1,100 young men and women have volunteered since 2006.

Over the past decade the YP’s focus has been on job training, financial literacy, voting, leadership training and housing counseling.

“The Urban League does a lot of financial literacy with the hope of helping people enter into the economic mainstream,” said William Barnes, Interim President and CEO of Birmingham Urban League. “The underserved — those that are making $7.25 an hour, a non-livable wage — we give them the skill set that will allow them to increase their potential for earning,”

BULYPSTEAM0505 (1) — ver the past decade the YP’s focus has been on job training, financial literacy, voting, leadership training and housing counseling.

One goal has been to close the wealth gap.

“African Americans will bring home about $6,000 versus white counterparts who will bring home about $116,000,” Barnes said.

Housing counseling has also been a major focus. The organization makes an effort to help people who are at risk of foreclosure to stay in their homes. So far this year they have successfully prevented more than 30 foreclosures.

BULYPMixer0505 (1) — They recently held their S.T.E.A.M. program at Lawson State Community College which is science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Sixty-five kids showed up.

Kelly said he has enjoyed the mentorship aspect of the Young Professionals. They recently held their S.T.E.A.M. program at Lawson State Community College which is science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Sixty-five kids showed up.

“It might not sound like a huge number,” Kelly said. “But to get 65 kids to donate their time on a Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to learn more about their field of choice -most of the time you can’t get an adult to do that- was great for them.”

Kelly said a lot of children went towards the math and science groups.

BULYPSTEAM (1) — “Reality is not everyone will be an NFL player or the next Lil Wayne. We have to address that at an early age.”

“Even if we had only two children there, that would be an opportunity to get impact two more kids than before,” Kelly said. “Reality is not everyone will be an NFL player or the next Lil Wayne. We have to address that at an early age.”

Leaders gather in Birmingham to discuss reduction in violence-related deaths of men and boys

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Birmingham Times

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May 5, 2016

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Cities United Conference — Cities United Executive Director Anthony Smith and Birmingham Mayor William Bell speak before the conference opened. The opening session for the 2016 Cities United and March for Hope Tuesday May 3, 2016 in Birmingham, Alabama. (The Birmingham Times / Frank Couch)

By Solomon Crenshaw Jr.

Special to The Times

After the opening session for the conference the attendees participated in the March for Hope to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. The opening session for the 2016 Cities United and March for Hope Tuesday May 3, 2016 in Birmingham, Alabama. (The Birmingham Times / Frank Couch)

Elected officials – including mayors and other leaders — from 32 cities and towns met in Birmingham this week to further efforts to reduce violence-related deaths of African American men and boys.

The officials are part of Cities United, which was launched in 2011 to create a national network of communities to decrease bloodshed related to African American males.

“We realized years ago we can’t arrest our way out of our problems,” said Brian Evans, commander of Special Operations of the Gary (Ind.) Police Department. “We can’t lock every man up that’s giving us problems. Two to three percent of the population are the ones that are creating the most trouble for us, or any city.”

The opening session for the 2016 Cities United and March for Hope Tuesday May 3, 2016 in Birmingham, Alabama. (The Birmingham Times / Frank Couch)

According to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, homicide is the leading cause of death for black men ages 15 to 34 nationwide. Black males in that age group are 10 times more likely to be murdered than whites the same age, according to the CDC’s figures.

“If we want to reduce the number of homicides, the data tells us that young black men and boys are the ones we are losing the most to homicides,” said Anthony Smith, Cities United Executive Director. “In most cities, it’s anywhere from 50 percent to 80 percent African American men and boys. We know we’ve got to start with African American men and boys.”

The theme for the event was “The Fierce Urgency of Now” taken from Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘I Have A Dream’ speech.

“We’re at this moment where there’s ‘a fierce urgency of now’ to get this right if we’re really going to be serious about saving our young black men and boys, and saving their lives,” Smith said. “Our goal with mayors is to help them develop real strategies.”

The opening session included a viewing of Birmingham Forward, a video that shows progress in Alabama’s largest city. Mayor William Bell expressed pride in the economic development but cautioned that human resources must also be developed.

“You can have all the pretty buildings that you want, we can have all the nice parks that you desire, but if you don’t invest in the people, if you don’t address those challenges that hold individuals back … all those other things are for naught,” he said.

A brief press conference was held at the conclusion of the March for Hope at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. The opening session for the 2016 Cities United and March for Hope Tuesday May 3, 2016 in Birmingham, Alabama. (The Birmingham Times / Frank Couch)

Dr. William C. Bell, president and CEO of Casey Family Programs, one of the founding partners of Cities United and no relation to Birmingham’s mayor, said, “It is about change. It is about saying that our kids need hope.

“It’s not just about marching,” he continued. “It’s about teaching, it’s about training, it’s about supporting. That’s why Cities United exists.”

While many have focused on the violent acts that have led to deaths, attendees at the two-day session which began Tuesday agree that the root cause goes deeper. They note that many in impoverished areas of their cities feel sense of hopelessness that makes them think that nothing – including life – matters.

“It’s not because they woke up one morning and said, ‘I don’t like you therefore I’m going to take your life,’” Dr. Bell said. “There’s something missing in the eyes of too many of our children across this nation. And that’s what Cities United is about.

“The loss of any one child in any home, in any community, in any neighborhood in this country is not that family’s problem, it’s not that city’s problem, it is America’s problem,” he said. “It is time for us in America to decide that every one of our children deserves the right to life.”

Doctors address concerns over the Zika virus and pregnancy

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Birmingham Times

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May 5, 2016

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By Kyoka Akers

Special to the Times

Pregnancy is supposed to be a joyous occasion, but for some Birmingham area residents who are expecting this spring and summer the excitement comes with some concerns.

What would have been a time to be outside enjoying the sun and preparing for a new addition to the family has turned to concern over the Zika virus which can cause birth defects.

“Zika was not thought of as being dangerous until the last year, year in a half in Brazil where they started documenting birth defects,” said Dr. Jim McVay, Director of Health Promotion and Chronic Disease in Montgomery.

Alese Williams, of Birmingham a mother of three who is expecting her fourth child this fall, has concerns.

“It frightens me because I am currently pregnant and . . . my main concern is that it can spread quickly due to the mosquitos populating and the number of people traveling out of the country,” she said.

These are some of the same concerns that expectant father Kawame Jemison has. He is the father of one and expecting twins this fall.

He and his girlfriend spend most of their time either at work or at home so they don’t go outside much, but when they do he plan on using natural remedies to fight off mosquitos and wear long sleeves and pants.

“My main concern is having healthy babies, so I’m staying abreast on the news and current events and watching our surroundings,” he said.

Both Jemison and Williams plan on speaking to their OB/GYN on their next appointment to go over a plan to help keep them and their loved ones safe.

Dr. Jamie Routman, OB/GYN at Brookwood Medical Center, said there are no commercially available tests for the Zika virus.

“If we suspect someone has symptoms then we would have to contact the CDC and from my understanding they send us the testing kit,” she said.

Dr. McVay, who is with the Alabama Department of Public Health, said the good news is that there is no known transmission from mosquito to human in this country.

“The mother is not at risk any more than anyone else,” he said, “she probably wouldn’t know she was bit. Even if she had the virus 80% of people have no symptoms whatsoever and 20% have very mild symptoms that they probably wouldn’t even pay attention to.”

Zika can also be transmitted sexually which is why doctors advise anyone who is pregnant or expecting to become pregnant and their partner to refrain from any travel to infected countries until after the birth of the baby. Men who are bitten with a Zika infected mosquito can pass the virus to their expectant spouse.

“Over the last three months international travelers have brought it back (and) there have been three residents of Alabama who have gone to infected countries and come back and tested positive,” Dr. McVay said. “Although the virus probably only stays active in a person for one to two weeks, we still suggest that males abstain or use protection with an expectant woman.”

The Zika virus was discovered in the Zika forest in Uganda in 1946, but was only found in animals particularly in the rhesus monkey.

Dr. McVay also states that protection from this virus has a lot to do with lifestyle.

“In a tropical country if you don’t have screens and air conditioning you are much more likely to get bitten, where we in this country are much more cautious, we have air conditioning and screens over our windows so that keeps people inside during the summer,” he said. “We also do mosquito control in this country, where many countries do not and we try to drain standing water sources which are breeding grounds for mosquitos.”

He also recommends that people make sure they use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, have properly screened windows and drain all standing water around their homes.

Residents, conservationists team to create community garden in east Birmingham

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Birmingham Times

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May 5, 2016

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By Joseph D. Bryant

The Housing Authority of the Birmingham District

greenpix1 — This garden illustrates that principle, and brings nature to the front doors of our residents. It is our hope this space becomes a natural oasis that inspires our youngest residents to appreciate our Earth and learn even more about their role in enhancing it….”

Dozens of residents, neighbors and volunteers converged at Marks Village last week to create a community vegetable garden and green space.

The Housing Authority of the Birmingham District and the Marks Village Resident Council teamed with The Nature Conservancy in Alabama to present the project in observance of Earth Month.

Early in the project, The Nature Conservancy team met with Marks Village residents to assess their interest and learn what they wanted in the garden. Interest was immediate.

Marks Village Resident Council President Cassidy Moore helped spread the word about efforts to restore it. For years, Moore worked in a previous garden on the lot.

“It’s good for me and it also gives you piece of mind being out there,” Moore said. “And the kids especially love being outside and in the dirt.”

Father Nature Landscapes of Birmingham provided volunteer tilling to prepare the site. Volunteers also included members of the Serve Team from Church of the Highlands.

“Appreciating nature and caring for our natural resources are shared responsibilities,” said HABD President/CEO Michael Lundy. “This garden illustrates that principle, and brings nature to the front doors of our residents. It is our hope this space becomes a natural oasis that inspires our youngest residents to appreciate our Earth and learn even more about their role in enhancing it.”

Lundy said the garden also helps address the problem of food deserts in lower income areas by providing healthy food options.

The new space includes raised garden plots and small park-like seating near the plants. Crops include cucumbers, okra, tomatoes, peppers and blueberries.

Marks Village’s Richard Sims, better known as “Cowboy” to residents, was on hand Saturday. Sims’ affinity for gardening and landscaping is evident by the decorations and pottery that lines the walkway to his front door.

Plans were drawn, seed and soil were prepared, and a troupe of volunteers arrived ready to work in the Gate City neighborhood.

“Urban conservation projects not only restore the natural benefits that ecological systems provide, but also offer social and economic benefits,” said Francesca Gross, a wetlands scientist and greenway specialists. “They help to decrease environmental-management costs, engage stakeholders and beautify the community.”

greenpix2 — The program called Connect with Nature helps people around the country find ways to do green volunteer work in their communities.

Gross is the urban conservation associate for The Nature Conservancy in Alabama.

“This project will bring together residents and volunteers to create beauty, grow food and instill an appreciation of nature,” said Galvin Billups, HABD director of resident services. “This will grow to become a source of pride for this community.”

The Marks Village garden is part of more than 200 volunteer opportunities organized by the Nature Conservancy this spring. The program called Connect with Nature helps people around the country find ways to do green volunteer work in their communities.

More volunteer opportunities are available at http://www.nature.org/about-us/volunteer/search-volunteer-opportunities/index.htm

Former U.S. Surgeon General: Many Alabamians lack quality healthcare

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Birmingham Times

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May 2, 2016

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By Ariel Worthy

Times staff writer

Surgeon General Regina Benjamin official_portrait (Curtsey Photo) — Surgeon General Regina Benjamin official_portrait (Courtsey Photo)

Alabama currently has thousands of residents who could have access to healthcare, but do not, said former U.S. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin.

“The state has chosen not to take the Affordable Care Act, so a lot of people do not have proper access to healthcare like they should,” said Benjamin, who lives in Mobile.

If there was an increase of access to healthcare and health insurance, there is a greater chance of helping more residents, she said in a phone interview with The Birmingham Times.

“It’s easier for cities who have access to healthcare, but in a lot of rural communities, they might have health insurance, but they do not have access to hospitals, or the drive is far,” said Benjamin, who last week attended the 11^th annual UAB Health Disparities Research Symposium. “A lot of small hospitals have closed down, and that is part of the issue with denying healthcare for some.”

One issue, Benjamin said, in the black community is the increased percentage of hypertension and renal failure.

“You can definitely see the difference of healthcare in certain populations,” Benjamin said.

According to Benjamin, sometimes there is institutionalized racism in the health field.

“Sometimes it can be a focus more of your cultural or socioeconomic background,” Benjamin said. “Often there are different habits in different cultures; especially with health. Sometimes we have to make sure they are not only taking their medicine, but also making sure they aren’t doing the same thing that might be making them sick.”

The solution is hoped to come in the form of policy, according to Benjamin. It starts with educating the communities on healthier living.

“This state smokes more, our cigarette taxes are lower which makes them more affordable and accessible,” Benjamin said. “We have to encourage people to live healthier lives.”

America is a country with great opportunity, but one with many healthcare disparities, Benjamin said.

“We started looking at health disparities about 10 years ago,” she said, “and noticed that some people didn’t have the same access to healthcare as others.”

How Beyoncé set the universe on fire and broke the internet

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Birmingham Times

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April 28, 2016

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By Je’Don Holloway Talley

Special to the Times

Last week, Beyoncé set the universe on fire.

Queen Bey and HBO combined efforts to make the world “stop” and then “carry on,” breaking the Internet! Beyoncé’s “Lemonade,” the superstar entertainer’s second surprise album debut, singlehandedly rewrote the rules of the marketing strategy of surprise and delight. A few artists have been brave enough to undergo this attempt, yet it has never been done with the caliber of Beyoncé’s artistic genius.

In December 2013, Beyoncé released her eponymous fifth studio album, comprised of 14 songs and 17 videos, exclusively on iTunes. And her latest release adheres to the same structure, allowing her audience to journey through her mind via a myriad of breathtaking cinematic pieces, soul-bearing poetry, and gut-wrenching spiritual anthems. What separates Beyoncé from other artists, however, are her dynamic presentation, showmanship, and exclusivity.

Beyonce’s sixth studio album—first released exclusively on Tidal, the subscription music app she and her husband, Jay-Z, own—features 12 songs and 12 intricate videos woven together with poesy interludes and an opulent Southern landscape. The natural grandeur of Spanish moss trees, the decadence of Old World New Orleans plantation-style mansions, and 19th century–inspired costuming blend perfectly to serve the world a tall glass of fresh “Lemonade.”

Double-headed coin

There’s no way to simplify the complex body of work that is “Lemonade.” This album is as multidimensional as the essence of black life: love, pain, anguish, lineage, spirituality, culture, grief, sorrow, longing, retribution, consciousness, gratitude, understanding, resilience, perseverance, hope, resolution, redemption. It is a celebration of woman, God-consciousness, and freedom!

Lemonade is a double-headed coin. One side reveals the depths of the black female soul; the other, through visual aids and poetry, the heart of the black man and the crux of his tumultuous relationship with America.

It lifts the veil from the minds of slaves, as Beyoncé questions her servitude to a lover, as she dances with the thought of deception while exploring both Christianity and African spirituality.

It offers a glimpse into the insecurities of the black woman, as she romanticizes envious thoughts about another woman’s beauty. Beyoncé recites:

If this is what you truly want, I can wear her skin … over mine.

Her hair, over mine. Her hands as gloves. Her teeth as confetti. Her scalp, a cap.

Her sternum, my bedazzled cane. We can pose for a photograph.

All three of us, immortalized. You and your perfect girl.

It embodies the plight of the African American, with visuals of urban ghettos, majestic countryside scenery, still waters topped by the heavens’ sunset.

It is the Da Vinci Code to the female mind, a compass guiding the audience through the jungles of her multifaceted emotions.

It is the exploration of African deities, the goddess buried deep inside the hardened exterior of the black woman. Beyoncé declares with defiance that she has the “God Complex, Motivate your ass, Call me Malcom X, Your operator, or innovator,” further exemplifying the edification a wife adds to her husband’s existence.

‘Formation’

Over the span of her career, the songstress has shared how deeply intrinsic numerology and astrology are to her life and purpose. She plans most of her new releases to sync harmoniously with special dates and her favorite number, four.

Even Super Bowl 50 was part of Queen Bey’s grand scheme, as she performed her single “Formation” in conjunction with the Black Panther Party’s 50th anniversary in the very city the self-defense organization was founded. Like a force of nature, Beyoncé and her entourage of dancers in high-fashion leather jackets, black berets, and afros marched onto the field at Levi’s Stadium and straight into an “X” formation—a beautiful homage to black nationalist leader Malcom X. She used that performance to deliver an artsy political rhetoric that took America by storm!

But she actually stirred the waters the day before the big game with her surprise release of “Formation,” which truly revealed her position on police brutality and urban conditions. Using the devastation of Hurricane Katrina as a backdrop for the music video, Queen Bey perched herself atop a sunken New Orleans police cruiser and belted out the new feminist, bad girl anthem:

I see it, I want it, I stunt, yellow-bone it, I dream it, I work hard, I grind ’til I own it

I twirl on them haters, albino alligators, El Camino with the seat low, sippin’ Cuervo with no chaser

“Formation” offered the first peek at Beyoncé’s new project. In sync with the chromatic tone of “Lemonade,” the video for “Formation” displayed 19th century splendor, revamped vintage attire, and graffiti art that read “STOP SHOOTING US!” The most powerful and misunderstood imagery in the “Formation” video, though, was the assembly of a SWAT team brigade in riot gear with their arms raised in surrender at the demand of a dancing young lad.

Unapologetic

Beyoncé’s declaration of unapologetic blackness sent shockwaves through the media, as various thoughts and perceptions spewed from those in support of and outraged by her audacious performance. Immediately following her Super Bowl act, the saga continued as the business mogul dropped another surprise – the Formation worldwide concert tour. And Queen Bey didn’t stop there. In March, she revealed Ivy Park, her designer athletic apparel line in collaboration with London, England–based clothier Topshop. In hindsight, Beyoncé’s subtle business savvy had been priming us for the release of “Lemonade” since the start of the year.

It’s about taking a life that was meant to give you nothing but hardened, sour lemons as a means for survival, and turning them into “Lemonade” – a sweet concoction that cools the soul and quenches your thirst.

By Ariel Worthy Times staff reporter

By Ariel Worthy
Times staff reporter