There will be no dimmed lights, we comfortable.

We showed up in droves, wearing ALL of the glitter, sequence, feathers, and metallic offered; in my case, sequence and feathers. We marched to a familiar drum. We were vocal in laughter; we complimented hairstyles, clothing ensembles, and “the boots.” We high-fived strangers, sat next to persons with differing political views, religions, and sexual preferences. Yet, we danced and sang for three hours unabashedly without causing harm or hurt to our neighbor.

Monday night, the Beyonce concert in Louisville, Kentucky, gave way to several examples of humanity that we as a country and culture have forgotten. First, we CAN fundamentally agree or disagree respectfully and move forward hand in hand with shared commonalities. If we meticulously examine America’s political landscape, one will believe we cannot agree, or better still, we cannot work effectively through our commonalities if we disagree.

The second, but equally profound, was the alignment of women, especially Black Women, who showed up and WORE freedom on their faces and bodies. It was a therapeutic session of no opposition! I will not oppose my natural hair, my inclination to lead, or my decision-making, regardless of what you or anyone outside of myself thinks or feels (not tUHdAY). “No Resistance!” It was an affirmation written in the air exclaiming, I am, and I AM!

As many wonder about the common attraction of Beyonce, it is deeper than music. Still, more profoundly, she has created a space for Black women, for all women. I highlight this idea, felt and seen because I thoroughly understand Malcolm X; when he said, “The most disrespected person in America is the black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the black woman. The most neglected person in America is the black woman.” And as the supreme court & congress rule & transcribe who controls what for the woman, it was jaw-droppingly pleasant to see women making body-conscious & body unconscious decisions.

The sister groups, family & friend groups, and those who journeyed alone in themed attire and or extravagant queenly garb came and went to BE themselves, not because it is a requirement, but more so it is an opportunity to be free. “On God, I am eXtra,” and I can be eXtra! We can be eXtra because we have to play it small so many days out of the year to make someone else feel big. We must dumb it down so many days out of the year to make someone else think smart. We have to dim our shine so many days out of the year to make others feel illumined. But why? Why do we have to make ourselves uncomfortable for others to feel cozy?

Admittedly, I have attended a Beyonce concert before. In Boston, The Queen, Mrs. Carter, gifted 300 tickets to school teachers and their families. My children and I were treated to GREAT seats at Mr. and Mrs. Carter’s: On the Run Tour. However, tonight’s feeling of unmitigated gall was not paralleled, but it did leave me to question whose responsibility it is to create the social norm for our daily lives. Is it the entertainer? Should we only feel this free when being entertained?

Motivation Monday, Free yourself from ridicule by loving and laughing at yourself. Free yourself from shame by writing your narrative. Free yourself by loving yourself (more than another human). Remember, you are God’s masterpiece; there is a book to remind you in case you forget. We know freedom to BE comes at a pricey cost, but it is worth it. Moreover, let’s make it the social norm to be too colorful to be overlooked.

there is Joi in the light

when the rain comes.

For more Black Women and Beyonce news from the Indianapolis Recorder, click here.