Beyoncé's "Formation" makes many statements about social and political realities in the U.S., but song and video perhaps speak especially strongly to black women in academia.

Truly, Formation by Beyoncé is the hype track of Black Women everywhere, but Academia is such a special place that I feel it has an especially stark meaning to those of us roaming the hallowed halls of higher education. Let me break it down for you. Lyrics in italics.
Y'all haters corny with that illuminati mess
1. Often when black women in academia speak out against the intersectional injustices we endure, unsupportive colleagues and wobbly allies are quick to tell us we are whining or making things up. Gaslighting is the oldest deflection tactic in the book.
Paparazzi, catch my fly, and my cocky fresh
2. If we dare show any spunk or “sassiness” or what I like to call simply personality then we have to navigate a minefield of mumbles & microaggressions all because some folks who can’t handle ALL of the FABULOUSNESS we serve!
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