When Beyoncé took to the field during the Super Bowl 50 halftime show, she apparently had a political message to convey.
Clad in a black leotard with a gold embellished jacket, Beyoncé was flanked by dancers who sported afros and black berets, reportedly in reference to the Black Panther Party. Beyoncé’s outfit was also a nod to Michael Jackson.
At one point during the performance the backup dancers and Beyoncé gave a salute, and they later formed an X formation, which the Twitterverse was quick to declare was a reference to Malcom X.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Black Panther Party.
Many praised Beyonce for her bold statements during the performance.
I love that Beyonce’s dancers are giving us Black Panther chic.
— Touré (@Toure) February 8, 2016
Beyoncé is subtle yet loud with her Black Lives Matter movement
— Chima Onukwuru (@highchief_chima) February 8, 2016
I love that Beyonce used her platform for a political statement. It's always needed, because it's too often Black voices go unheard.
— Anyesha V. (@nyshaV) February 8, 2016
And if there was any doubt that Beyoncé’s performance was politically-charged, her dancers were also filmed in a video that was posted on the Black Lives Matter Twitter page shortly after the halftime show.
In the clip, the dancers hold up a sign that reads “Justice 4 Mario Woods.”
.@Beyonce's Dancers and band want #JusticeMarioWoods #Last3Percent #SB50 pic.twitter.com/D3eKZNgAox
— BLM Bay area (@BLMBAYAREA) February 8, 2016
Woods was shot and killed in San Francisco by police officers on the afternoon of Dec. 2 after he refused commands to drop an 8-inch knife he was carrying.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
