When I received Tina Knowles’ book as a birthday gift last month, my first thought was, ‘What does she have to talk about for 400 pages?’ But I quickly realized she’s a woman of a certain age who’s lived what many would call a full life.
I was immediately intrigued to learn that she’s the youngest of six, with a 27-year gap between her and her oldest sister, who had eight kids of her own by the time Tina was born. This, coupled with the challenges her grandparents must have faced in trying to prevent family members from being sold into slavery, sets the stage for a powerful story.
Within the first few chapters of Matriarch, you’re reminded that she lived through a pivotal time in history when racism was at an all-time high.
I won’t deny that the book left me even more curious about Mathew Knowles’ story. Tina graciously glosses over his dalliances, sparing him public humiliation and side-eyes by highlighting his brilliant mind and framing his shortcomings as “demons.”
Nevertheless, as you thumb through the pages of their romance, it paints a picture of true partnership. I can imagine they were considered “relationship goals” during their time together.
Tina is widely known as the mother of Beyoncé and Solange, but her popularity stems from her entrepreneurial endeavors. While many are familiar with the lore of her Headliners days, her business was more than just a salon—it was a service to the community.
Tina reminds us that hairstyling isn’t just a trade, but a life-altering skill that impacts lives. Headliners transformed her into a mogul and millionaire, ultimately serving as the launchpad for her role as the backbone and creative director of Destiny’s Child.
Yes, Beyoncé, Solange, Kelly Rowland, and the other girls are mentioned in the book through entertaining anecdotes, but none of them serve as fodder; they simply add context to Tina’s story.
This, along with Johnny’s story, adds rich color that enhances her life narrative. Learning more about Uncle Johnny (who is actually her nephew) made my love for Beyoncé’s Renaissance album multiply.
Matriarch is the story of a daughter, mother, and wife. and of the Black woman’s familial struggle to maintain her identity while fulfilling those titular roles. It chronicles Tina’s complex life of love and loss, a life many may have perceived as idyllic, yet deeply rooted in ancestry and the American South (Louisiana and Texas).
The book positions Tina as her family’s griot, preserving and sharing their legacy. It’s not just rich in history, it reads like a family heirloom.
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