Paris, France — Beyoncé sparked a debate over American history and cultural representation after donning a T-shirt during a recent performance on her Cowboy Carter tour. The shirt, which featured images of the Buffalo Soldiers, a group of Black army units active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, has drawn ire from numerous social media users, particularly among Indigenous communities.
The T-shirt showcased these soldiers alongside a description that framed their historical context, controversially stating that “their antagonists were the enemies of peace, order and settlement,” including Native Americans and Mexican revolutionaries. The imagery and description have prompted discussions about how history is portrayed and perceived, particularly regarding the violent aspects of American expansionism.
As Beyoncé prepares for concerts in her hometown of Houston, critics have taken to social platforms to convey their disappointment and frustration. Indigenous influencers, academics, and supporters alike have questioned the shirt’s language, which they argue perpetuates harmful stereotypes and anti-Indigenous rhetoric. “Do you think Beyoncé will apologize or acknowledge the shirt?” asked an Indigenous culture account with over 130,000 followers.
Comments from critics emphasize the need for a more nuanced understanding of the historical narratives surrounding the Buffalo Soldiers. “We have to be honest about what they did, especially in their operations against Indigenous Americans and Mexicans,” stated Chisom Okorafor, a TikTok creator known for discussing history and culture.
The Buffalo Soldiers were established in 1866, comprising veterans of the Civil War and formerly enslaved men, and served in various conflicts until their disbanding in 1951. While they played roles in different military campaigns, they also participated in actions that contributed to the displacement and suffering of Indigenous peoples. The title of “Buffalo Soldiers” is believed by some to have been given by Native tribes as a mark of respect, although historians debate its true origins.
At the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum in Houston, officials have worked to provide a broader view of this complex history, stressing the need for honest conversations about the role these soldiers played in U.S. imperialism. Cale Carter, the museum’s director of exhibitions, noted that recent years have seen efforts to address these nuances, especially amid a national trend to revisit historical narratives centered on Indigenous experiences.
Beyoncé’s album, “Act II: Cowboy Carter,” has engaged with themes of American identity, reflecting a desire to reclaim elements of the country music genre often associated with whiteness. Having made history as the first Black woman to top Billboard’s country music chart, her artistic vision seeks to challenge traditional narratives.
However, scholars like Ted Stoermer note that the portrayal of Buffalo Soldiers can sometimes reinforce nationalistic myths. Alaina E. Roberts, a historian specializing in the intersections of Black and Indigenous history, argues that the complexities of the Buffalo Soldiers’ legacy must be acknowledged. “They were literally involved in not just the settlement of the West but of genocide in a sense,” she explained.
Okorafor cautioned against attempts to romanticize the past, emphasizing that there is no “progressive” way to reinterpret America’s history of expansion. The cultural narrative suggested by Beyoncé’s use of Western imagery implies that Black Americans can also claim a nationalist identity, a message that, according to critics, marginalizes Indigenous and immigrant voices.
The ongoing dialogue surrounding Beyoncé’s T-shirt serves as a reminder of the complexities inherent in U.S. history, particularly in how cultural figures choose to engage with and represent that history.