Beyonce's agenda setting, life affirming Superbowl performance on Sunday evening has been the talk of the internet ever since she first stepped out onto the pitch at Levi's Stadium, Black Panther-costume wearing dancers following closely behind.
For most people, her performance was a triumph, a statement to black women the world over of power, unity and strength (you can read Tobi Oredein's excellent piece on what Beyonce's performance meant to black British women here). For others though, Beyonce's performance was a 'race-baiting stunt'.
On Monday, Mayor of New York City Rudy Giuliani said of Beyonce, 'I thought it was really outrageous that she used it as a platform to attack police officers who are the people who protect her and protect us, and keep us alive. What we should be doing in the African-American community, and all communities, is build up respect for police officers. And focus on the fact that when something does go wrong, OK, we’ll work on that. But the vast majority of police officers risk their lives to keep us safe.' FYI, 102 unarmed black men were killed in America by the police in 2015.
Now there are protests being planned this weekend against Beyonce due to what organisers claim was a 'slap in the face to law enforcement'. The unamed organisers say 'Are you offended as an American that Beyoncé pulled her race-baiting stunt at the Superbowl? Do you agree that it was a slap in the face to law enforcement? Do you agree that the Black Panthers was/is a hate group which should not be glorified? Come and let's stand together. Let's tell the NFL we don't want hate speech & racism at the Superbowl ever again! #BoycottBeyonce #BlueLivesMatter #AllLivesMatter'.
They also included a video of this guy wearing a super cool vest who is mad at Beyonce and calls her a bitch. Stay classy Fred.
The organisers are urging supporters to be 'peaceful' and wear all blue - definitely not black though because that's what the ANTI ANTI BEYONCE PROTEST - GET IN FORMATION attendees are wearing because yes, women are fighting back with a counter protest of their own.
Organised by Black Girl Rising, this counter protest is going under the manifesto that 'When Black women affirm Blackness/Black womanhood, they are attacked and silenced. This is a counter protest to a racist, a historical attack on the Black Panther Party and Beyonce, plus an excuse to celebrate a very awesome song and #BlackGirlMagic moment. Sisters, dress in your "Formation" video/Super Bowl performance-inspired gear and make this a moment a joyous one! Allies and friends, show up and show your support! We have asked our biggest stars to get political and Bey went there. Don't let anyone make her powerful statement about the value of Black life be overshadowed by those who don't believe that our lives matter.'
The rallies are planned for this coming Tuesday, at 8AM, outside the NFL headquarters in New York.
Like this? Then you might also be interested in:
**Why Beyonce's 'Formation' Is Important To Black British Women
How One Club’s Refusal To Let Black Woman In Says So Much More About Race In 2015…
Commuters Force Man Off Train After He Verbally Abuses Muslim Woman**
Follow Jess on Twitter @Jess_Commons
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.