THEY NOT LIKE US
Kendrick Lamar Duckworth, aka Kendrick Lamar, aka K-Dot performed the Super Bowl
LIX halftime show. He did it with music and symbolism. More than a few people shared
online their inability to understand the show or expressed their dislike for the
performance. Everything is not for everybody. The performance was entertaining,
enjoyable, and enlightening.
Some did not like his flare leg/bell bottom jeans. During the 70s, Black people wore
bellbottoms to express their creativity and pride in their fashion sense. This style was
worn by many Black people as they sported their big, perfectly coifed afros and had
raised fists in the air as a symbol of their Black pride.
More than a few people complained that there were only Black people in the half-time
performance. They got a chance to see how it feels to not be included in an event or
production. Now, they wish DEI were still in place because it would serve them and their
need to be spotlighted regardless of their talents or skills. Kendrick chose the best
people for the job based on their skills.
All of the dancers were dressed in red, white, or blue. Then, they formed themselves
into a human version of the American flag. America was built by Black people and our
ancestors. Kendrick stood in the middle of the human flag symbolizing that we are still in
a divided America. During the show, the dancers all fell to the ground as if they were no
longer alive reminding the viewers that Black people are still being killed in the land of
the supposed free and the brave.
Kendrick performed a song that his foe, Drake, did not want to be heard on a national
level. Kendrick did not back down to threats and looked directly into the camera as he
did the song. His defiance was a nod to us to face our foe and to not back down in a
fight. For centuries, Black people have always had to stand up to those against us. This
still holds true today. Backing down lets the enemy know they have won.
Kendrick’s Super Bowl performance was an ode to America. If you were confused or did
not like it, then you are “not like us”.
Beautifully blessed and Black,
Pamela E. Bowles
Pamela E. Bowles is a contributor to Converted Heart CME Church. Ms. Bowles is an
educator in the State of Georgia, a mother, and a member of Delta Sigma Theta
Sorority Inc
