Attorney: Beyonce inspired by shooting victims' mothers

TaMaryn Waters

Tallahassee Democrat

The photo depicts Wanda Johnson, the mother of Oscar Grant, Gwen Carr, the mother of Eric Garner, Beyoncé, Sybrina Fulton, the mother of Trayvon Martin, Lesley McSpadden-Head, the mother of Michael "Mike Mike" Brown, Jr.

TALLAHASSEE — National activist and Tallahassee attorney Ben Crump has represented several families rocked by high-profile killings that helped ignite the Black Lives Matter movement.

Beyoncé's Lemonade — a visually stunning hourlong music album representing the star's sixth solo installment — has Tallahassee ties.

Black mothers who lost their sons flashed in and out of various scenes, including Sybrina Fulton, mother of Trayvon Martin, and Lesley McSpadden-Head, mother of Michael Brown, Jr.

Crump fought cases involving Martin and Brown.

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Beyonce personally invited the mothers to appear in the visual album because they inspire the singer, Crump said. The visual album dropped Saturday on HBO.

The Internet was instantly swarmed by Beyoncé’s fans, who praised the singer for the album's raw emotion. However, others, such as former CNN host Piers Morgan, chided the singer and accused her of using the mothers as props to push record sales and a political agenda.

During a Q&A with the Tallahassee Democrat, Crump talked about what the mothers' presence meant for them and the singer, reaction to the album following Saturday's debut and more.

Attorney Ben Crump gave a short status report on the case of slain teenager Trayvan Martin on Sunday, March 25, 2012,Ê at the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. The church of Rev. R.B. Holmes also talked about the evils of hazing during the two-hour service.

Question: What was the statement their appearance was meant to make?

Answer: Our client participation in this film was to inspire and serve as encouragement to the many mothers who have tragically lost their sons to senseless gun violence and choose to advocate for change in the memory of their sons.

Q: How did Sybrina Fulton and McSpadden-Head feel about being in the visual album? Was it cathartic in any way or does it help them continue to keep the memories of their sons, along with the way they died, in the national spotlight to help build public awareness and change policies?

A: Our clients were honored that out of the hundreds of mothers who unfortunately have to join a growing group of women who lose children to senseless gun violence that Beyoncé selected their sons to honor. They were very pleased that she would use her platform to promote and raise awareness of the need for change.

Q: Are they pleased with the response their cameos have had since there’s been a mix of praise and criticism.

A: Our clients are very pleased at the honor of being featured in the video Freedom. As far as the speculation that has circulated around social media, we choose not to comment.

Q: Are there any other comments you wanted to share?

A: Beyoncé and her husband, Jay Z, have been tremendous in their support of the Black Lives Matter movement. They continue to support and stand behind many families and desire no attention for the good works that they do. Like Prince, they have donated their time and have made significant contributions to many of the foundations started by the mothers who have lost sons to senseless gun violence, and we salute them.

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