First in 2015, the University of Waterloo made headlines when it announced that it would be offering a college course that focused on Beyonce’s impact on feminism, music, videos, and public persona through a feminist and critical race lens. This course, Gender and Performance (DRAMA 282), quickly became one of the most popular and talked-about classes at the university. Most recently, in 2021, the Harvard Museums of Science & Culture virtually presented Dr. Solange Ashby who shared her findings of the divine feminine in African antiquity and their impact on society using Beyoncé’s “Black Is King”.
Gender and Performance “Beyonce” course Beyonce is one of the most influential performers of this era, and her music and imagery have become synonymous with the modern feminist movement. Through her music and videos, the most awarded female in Grammy’s history has created an empowering and unapologetic image of womanhood that has resonated with people all over the world. Her lyrics speak to the struggles of women of color, while her performances embrace femininity in all its forms.
In the Gender and Performance course, students are asked to critically analyze the singer’s music videos from her critically acclaimed “Beyonce” album. Using feminist and critical race theories, they are challenged to reflect on the artist’s work and create their own artistic responses. Through this process, students gain a deeper understanding of the complex issues surrounding gender and race in modern society.
The course also touches on the importance of performance in shaping cultural attitudes towards gender and race. Beyonce’s carefully curated image, from her clothes to her hair, plays a crucial role in how her music is received by the public. Through her performances, she is able to convey a powerful message about the importance of self-expression and individuality.
The most successful female artist of this era is also known for her activism and philanthropy, which are examined in depth in the course. From supporting the Black Lives Matter movement to advocating for gender equality, she has used her platform to create positive change in the world. Students in the course will analyze the impact of the singer’s activism on contemporary social issues.
Professor Naila Keleta-Mae had stated that “whether or not feminist scholars, activists or artists agree with Beyoncé’s discourse, her influence on popular culture is undeniable. I would argue that it would be negligent for those of us interested in gender studies to dismiss the album ‘Beyoncé’ or its principal artist.”
Harvard University “Black Is King” Course: Role of African Queens in Kush “Black Is King” is a modern classic visual album by Beyoncé inspired by “The Lion King” and African culture. The film showcases several strong female characters that emphasize the power and nobility of African women.
It features both Motherland and Continental African celebrities from Naomi Campbell, Adut Akech, Aweng Chuol, Kelly Rowland to Lupita Nyong’o, Tiwa Savage and Yemi Alade among others. One of the most significant portrayals is the role of the Queen mother in ancient Kushite society. The Queen mother was considered the most important matriarch in the royal family and had great influence in the kingdom.
Beyoncé’s depiction of the Queen mother in “Black Is King” is significant as it highlights the importance of women in leadership roles in ancient African societies. Her use of African traditions and mythology stresses the vital position held by women in Governance, Economy, and Society as a whole. The presence of these powerful women shows that Ancient Africa was a highly advanced civilization that respected women’s rights.
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The song “Brown Skin Girl” in the visual album is also an excellent example of showcasing the beauty and strength of women and Black women. In this song, Beyoncé highlights the importance of self-love and acceptance, no matter what the society’s standards of beauty may be. The lyrics encourage Black women to embrace their skin tone and celebrate who they are, just like the ancient Queens and matriarchs of Africa did.
The film tells an engaging story of a young African prince, Folajomi Akinmurele, during his journey of self-identity in order to reclaim his throne. Through the guidance of his ancestor Beyoncé bearing witness over this journey, childhood love in Nandi Madida and his own subconscious played out by Stephen Ojo, the Prince’s story acts as an allegory for the African diaspora’s purpose to discover, reclaim and celebrate their heritage. To emphasize the importance of the struggle of Black identity, spoken-word poetry is woven throughout giving voice to experiences often tragically overlooked.
The Gender and Performance course at the University of Waterloo is a groundbreaking example of how pop culture can be used to spark critical discourse on important social issues. “Black Is King” uses Africa’s cultural heritage and the transformative narrative of Queen mother and women warriors to showcase the strength and power of women. Beyonce’s impact on feminism and the political discourse of this era cannot be overstated, and this course offers a unique opportunity to explore her music and imagery through a feminist and critical race lens.
The extensive portrayal of African women in leadership roles, economic activity, and society at large, directly challenges the stereotype of subservient women in Africa. As Dr. Solange Ashby has noted, Beyoncé’s “Black Is Queen: The Divine Feminine in Kush” uses a modern medium to showcase ancient history and illustrate the powerful role women held in antiquity to inspire and uplift women from Africa and beyond. Such innovative courses can challenge students to think more deeply about the world around them.
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