The mother of Michael Brown, a teen who was gunned down by an officer in Ferguson, Missouri in 2014, recently did an interview about her new book and her experience appearing in Beyoncé’s “Lemonade” video.
Ever since Lezley McSpadden’s 18-year-old son was killed by former police officer Darren Wilson, which set off several protests around the country, she’s been busy making sure Brown’s life was not taken in vain by speaking out against Black Americans being killed without justice. She is now releasing her memoir so that the public can not only get to know her better, but also get a better understanding of her slain son.
McSpadden spoke with publisher Judith Regan on SiriusXM about the book, entitled Tell the Truth & Shame the Devil. The book explains how she survived as a teenage mother with no high school education and also shares some little known information on Brown, or Mike Mike, as she affectionately calls him. On the radio special, McSpadden explains how she linked up with Beyoncé to be featured in the pop star’s “Lemonade” music special with the mothers of Trayvon Martin and Eric Garner, who were also killed by police.
“I felt special. She had done some nice things for my son’s foundation, so at that point, whatever you want me to do, I’ll do it,” McSpadden said of Beyoncé. “She’s a sweet person … really down to earth. She treated us well, made sure we were comfortable.”
In the music video, McSpadden holds up a picture of Brown. She explained to Regan how tough it still is to look at her son, and she broke down.
“I tried to hold it together but, any time I’m talking about my son or looking at a picture I just think that he’s gone,” McSpadden tearfully said. “I appreciate her for being bold enough to confront things and be sensitive at the same time.”
McSpadden’s emotional interview will air on May 21 at 1 p.m. EST on SiriusXM Stars, channel 109.
