This week in trending topics, a Black Lives Matter activist is running for mayor, Louisiana State University students discuss being black, and Beyoncé releases a new song and video.
DeRay McKesson runs for mayor
DeRay McKesson, a leading figure in the Black Lives Matter movement, has entered the race to become the mayor of Baltimore. The Baltimore native decided to run for mayor just 10 minutes before the deadline on, Feb. 4, according to the Washington Post.
The 30-year-old is most known for his works of activism in the Ferguson, Mo. and Baltimore, Md. protests.
McKesson, who is running as a Democrat, took to his blog to formally announce his candidacy.
“I have come to realize that the traditional pathway to politics, and the traditional politicians who follow these well-worn paths, will not lead us to the transformational change our city needs,” said McKesson.
He plans to release his policy platform and a plan for Baltimore in the upcoming week.
#BeingBlackAtLSU
Last Wednesday, African-American students at LSU took to Twitter to discuss the daily struggles they face at the predominately white university.
According to LSU Now, the conversation started after a white LSU student made a post on Facebook suggesting that the university should start a White
Student Union. In response to this, the Black Student Union started the hashtag #BeingBlackatLSU.
Some of the comments found on Twitter included:
“Being called “sensitive” because you call out the micro-aggressions expressed by classmates #BeingBlackatLSU” @JonathanRBrown
“#BeingBlackatLSU was not created to bash our institution. The school is not the problem. People’s actions are the problem.” @groovytishaaa
The University president, F. King Alexander, quickly took to Twitter to respond to the hashtag.
“While #BeingBlackatLSU demonstrates that we have some areas that need work, I’m proud of our students for sharing their experiences,” said Alexander. He continued, “LSU is committed to providing a welcoming learning environment for all students.”
Beyoncé releases new single “Formation”
Singer superstar Beyoncé had the internet going wild Saturday evening after the surprise release of her new single, “Formation” with a video to go with it.
“Formation”, produced by Mike Will Made It, is a gritty up-tempo with catchy lyrics that embraces the singers Louisiana roots.
In the music video, shot in New Orleans, she owns her blackness by showing portraits of famous Civil Rights activists and making several references to the Black Lives Matters movement and police brutality.
In the opening of the video, Beyoncé sits atop a sinking police car. The video also shows the image of a graffiti wall with the words “stop shooting us” spray painted on it. You also see a chilling scene where a young black boy dances in front of a SWAT Team.
The surprise release of her single and video sent waves through the internet. Fans took to twitter to give their opinions on the video.
“Beyoncé sat on top of a police car and sank it. During #BlackHistoryMonth. I have chills.” @beneviera
“Sinking a police car, young & older black girls rocking their afros, portraits of African ancestors, the police surrendering. I. Am. Living.” @mistysknight
“There’s a message in Formation, listen closely.” @TerryThierry
According to Billboard, “Formation” No. 1 on the real-time Billboard + Twitter Trending 140 chart is. The single and video are currently only available through Tidal as both a free download and a stream.
