BMAC and Partners Hold Powerful Discussion on Black Origins of Country Music

Last night, the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC), in collaboration with Vibe, Songwriters of North America, Mayors for Guaranteed Income, and The Ogunlesi Group, hosted a profound and enlightening event titled "Act III: A Conversation Around 'Three Chords and the Actual Truth.'"

(L-R) Alice Randall & Reyna RobertsPhoto byProvided By BMAC

This discussion centered on the Black origins of country music and the exclusion of Black artists from the genre. The event, held at Live Nation in Nashville, TN, took place less than a mile from Music Row.

The impactful panel discussion, based on BMAC's 2022 report "Three Chords and the Actual Truth," was moderated by Naima Cochrane, the report's author. The panel featured notable figures such as Reyna Roberts (Country artist), Alice Randall (novelist, songwriter, educator, activist), and Daisha "The Rap Girl" McBride (rapper, songwriter, BMAC x ACM Awards OnRamp Awardee).

Following the panel, Willie "Prophet" Stiggers (BMAC co-founder, president and CEO), Mayor Michael Tubbs (founder of SEED, founder of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income), and Rep. Justin Pearson (Tennessee State Representative) took the stage. Their inspiring conversation emphasized the need for economic justice in Tennessee. BMAC announced its initiative to develop legislation for guaranteed income for underserved communities in Tennessee, in partnership with Rep. Justin Pearson and Mayors for Guaranteed Income. The evening concluded with an energizing 30-minute live performance by Reyna Roberts.

Event Highlights:

• Alice Randall shared insights into the true Black roots of country music, highlighting contributions from the "first family of Black Country," which includes Ray Charles, DeFord Bailey, and Charley Pride.
• Reyna Roberts spoke about the expanding fanbase and the movement in country music following the release of Beyoncé's "Cowboy Carter." She remarked, "It's great to be supported by people who aren't typically Country Music listeners…I have been praying for this moment for years."
• Daisha "The Rap Girl" McBride discussed the importance of unity among Black female artists across genres to create more opportunities for Black musicians in Nashville: "This is Music City, not just Country Music city. There is space for everybody here… There are other genres here that deserve a little bit of shine as well."
• Rep. Justin Pearson emphasized the urgency of advocating for guaranteed income legislation in Tennessee: "Now is the time to fight back and to push back, including in the Tennessee General Assembly, and that is what we are going to do. We collectively have to organize, mobilize, and be activated to push for legislation that is going to guarantee income for people in the state of Tennessee."

BMAC's Act III aims to inspire the inclusion of Black artists and professionals in country music, building on the success of Act II, held at Live Nation in LA during Stagecoach weekend in April, and Act I, held at Live Nation in New York City in March, which was tied to the release of Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter.”