Beyoncé debuts ‘Black Parade’ song to coincide with Juneteenth

Beyoncé released her new song, “Black Parade,” on Juneteenth, hours after the singer announced a new initiative with the same name to support Black-owned businesses.

“Happy Juneteenth Weekend! I hope we continue to share joy and celebrate each other, even in the midst of struggle. Please continue to remember our beauty, strength and power,” Beyoncé wrote on Instagram.

The song was co-written by the singer’s husband, Jay-Z, Entertainment Weekly reported. The song is Beyoncé‘s first solo effort since her contributions last year to “The Lion King” companion album, “The Gift.” Beyoncé most recently sang on a remix of Megan Thee Stallion’s “Savage,” Rolling Stone reported.

The song’s lyrics reference the protests in the wake of George Floyd’s death May 25 after a Minneapolis police officer pinned the man’s neck with his knee for nearly nine minutes -- “Rubber bullets bouncin’ off me/Made a picket sign off your picket fence” -- and also makes note of Beyoncé‘s Southern roots, as she was born and grew up in Houston, Entertainment Weekly reported.

“I’m goin’ back to the South. ... Where my roots ain’t watered down,” the song opens.

Hours before releasing the song, Beyoncé announced a new initiative -- also called Black Parade -- to support Black-owned businesses, Rolling Stone reported.

“Black Parade celebrates you, your voice and your joy and will benefit Black-owned small businesses,” Beyoncé wrote on Instagram.

The Black Parade site also provides a directory of Black-owned businesses that include art and design, restaurants, beauty products, lifestyle, wellness and bookstores, Entertainment Weekly reported.

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