Review: The Grammys continues its history of racial bias

Media Credit: Lily Speredelozzi | Assistant Photo Editor

While fans certainly can’t expect Beyoncé to win every award she is nominated for, it’s baffling that the most awarded artist in history has not won Record of the Year or Album of the Year even once.

International superstar Beyoncé made history Sunday when she became the artist with the most Grammy awards in history – 32 and counting.

But while that number seems like an extraordinary feat, Beyoncé has only won in a major Grammy category once – when “Single Ladies” was named Song of the Year in 2010 – despite 17 nominations for Record, Song and Album of the Year altogether. So when she was up for the three major categories yet again in 2023 with her critically acclaimed, experimental seventh solo studio album “RENAISSANCE,” fans and music critics alike were shocked when she didn’t come out on top.

Out of her 88 total nominations since 1999, virtually all of Beyoncé’s 32 awards have been in R&B, Rap or Urban Contemporary categories. Best Urban Contemporary Album, which Beyoncé won in 2017 and 2019, has since been renamed to Best Progressive R&B Album in 2020 after artists like Tyler, the Creator called the name a “backhanded compliment” and voiced concerns about racial connotations. The Recording Academy televises about 90 percent of the awards for genre-specific categories in the Grammys pre-show instead of the main ceremony, delegating them to a less influential platform and occasion. Despite decorating Beyoncé with the most Grammy awards of all time, the academy has neglected her revolutionary and universal contributions to the music industry as a result of minimizing her recognition in the nationally broadcasted show.

“RENAISSANCE” debuted at number one on the Billboard charts this summer and instantly broke the Spotify record for the most streamed album in a single day by a female artist, garnering more than 40 million listens. “RENAISSANCE” was not only a genre-bending and revolutionary return to house music – it also paid homage with proper credit to the ballroom and drag artists from the 1980s and 1990s who inspired the album.

After losing the coveted Album of the Year award for the third time in 2016 with her smash hit “Lemonade,” which even drew criticism from Adele, who won the award that year, fans and music critics alike thought the fourth time would be a charm in 2023. “RENAISSANCE” was not just an album but an immersive experience, with each track blending together to perfection. So when Harry Styles’ nonexperimental third album “Harry’s House” was announced as the winner, audiences were shocked. That shock turned into frustration and even anger when Styles got up to the podium and declared that “this doesn’t happen to people like me very often.” Fans argued that it’s difficult to think of a group of people who are awarded by the Grammys more.

Styles’ puzzlingly tone-deaf comment neglected the decades-long lineage of white artists who have monopolized Album of the Year throughout Grammys history, especially after being up against artists like Beyoncé, Bad Bunny and Lizzo. As one of the most rich and famous musicians in the world since he appeared on The X Factor when he was just 16, the justification his fans scraped together about his small town upbringing didn’t hold up. He may not have meant any harm, but his statement reflects the rampant inequity of the awards show year after year.

A Black woman has not won Album of the Year in more than two decades since rap artist Lauryn Hill won in 1999 for “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.” And while fans certainly can’t expect Beyoncé to win every award she is nominated for, it’s baffling that the most awarded artist in history has not won Record of the Year or Album of the Year even once throughout her career.

Accusations that highly awarded artists like Beyoncé are “overrated” only go so far when looking at the facts. White industry talent has consistently raked in the top honors of the Grammys year in and year out – just 11 Black artists have won Album of the Year in the show’s 65-year history. Styles as an artist draws stylistic and fashion inspiration from the very culture “RENAISSANCE” samples, but Beyoncé gives those artists concrete credit in her work instead of simply borrowing aesthetics. She even thanked the queer community for “inventing the genre” in her historic acceptance speech for Best R&B Song.

When the academy votes next year, they must turn their empty gestures like renaming categories into concrete acknowledgements and awards for the artists it claims to celebrate. They may have renamed the “Urban Contemporary” category, but they continue to put Black artists in a box time and time again – a testament to the academy’s historic racial bias.

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Fraser Allport, Fiduciary, advises on How to Prepare for Out of Pocket Medical Expenses in Retirement.

Fraser Allport, Fiduciary, advises on How to Prepare for Out of Pocket Medical Expenses in Retirement. – African American News Today – EIN Presswire

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IU professor included in list of authors cut from AP African American Studies course

A textbook written by IU sociology professor Fabio Rojas has been removed from the curriculum of an upcoming Advanced Placement course on African American studies. Rojas is one of several authors cast out of the curriculum. 

Related: [Indiana Gov. Holcomb seeking to eliminate public school textbook fees]

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, announced in January he would ban the curriculum. However, the head of the College Board, David Coleman, says the changes were all made for pedagogical reasons, not to give in to political pressure. 

The course has been in development for more than a decade and is being piloted in select schools across the country in 2024. It will cover content on Africa, slavery, reconstruction and the civil rights movement. However, according to a New York Times article, the updated curriculum removed the names of many Black writers and scholars associated with critical race theory, the queer experience and Black feminism. 

Related: [Indiana House bill would require financial literacy course for high schools]

Included in the cuts was Rojas, who wrote the textbook “From Black Power to Black studies: How a Radical Social Movement Became an Academic Discipline.” The book covers the history of disciplines of Black studies.  

The book is often used in introductory African American Studies classes as an overview, Rojas said. There hasn’t been any official statement from the College Board with the exact reason the textbook was cut from the curriculum.  

Students who take the AP African American Studies course will now review less material on the history and theory of Black studies, incarceration and the debate over reparation. Students will no longer be tested on these subjects, according to The New York Times.  

“Almost everyone who got cut is still alive,” Rojas said. “So, we are talking about current living knowledge.” 

Rojas said that the cut curriculum is important to learn because African American studies is always evolving and alive. He said by reading this living and current knowledge, students are getting today’s perspective. The removed topics offer contemporary arguments surrounding intersectionality, a topic that was cut from many different textbooks. Intersectionality is a framework that explains how different aspects of a person’s identity affect their discrimination or privilege. 

“Without these topics, the modern critical perspectives are missing,” Rojas said. “Students would benefit from learning these topics, even if they didn’t agree with it. It would trigger interesting and reflective conversations.” 

Regardless of political disagreements, Rojas said the message deserves to be out there.  

“There is nothing to prevent people from writing a curriculum that could be downloaded for free or at a low cost,” Rojas said.  

Even without the AP stamp of approval, Rojas believes some students would seek out these textbooks and the message would remain out there.  

“Don’t do outrage,” Rojas said. “Do action.” 

From emotive countryside to desert art installations, here are seven lesser-known cities for your next visit to the United States…

There truly are more wonderful destinations in the U.S. than one could hope to visit in a lifetime. The fifty states contain approximately 2.3 billion acres of land, and more diversity than you could imagine; from mountaintops to powdery beaches, cities to adventure escapes.

Kennebunkport, Maine

Though only 150 miles away from many of the east coast’s large metropolitan areas, Kennebunkport is a classic seaside village. Known primarily as a summer vacation spot, the village is equally beautiful all year. A walk on scenic beaches and paths through the marshes will inspire a feeling of calmness.

Kennebunkport has also become a destination for art collectors of all kinds and hosts a village art walk every second Friday of the month. Over 30 galleries display the wares of local and national artists. Your visit will not be complete without a tour of the historic sea captain’s mansions on Summer Street and the local museums that include a tribute to the Bush Family, who gave us the 41st and 43rd presidents.

Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte, North Carolina is a historic yet thoroughly modern city with a vibrant scene that encompasses all the arts.

From the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art—the building is a work of art itself, only the second in the country designed by postmodern Swiss architect Mario Botta—to the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts + Culture which celebrates painting, photography, theatre, dance, literature and more, to the McColl Center for Art and Innovation, located in an old neo-Gothic church whose resident artists who often open their studios to the public, Charlotte is a city that takes its art and artists seriously.

Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Charlotte, North CarolinaBechtler Museum of Modern Art, Charlotte, North Carolina

Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Charlotte, North Carolina. Photo, James Willamor.

The Carolinas Aviation Museum includes hands-on exhibits and historic aircraft. The Gaston County Museum includes a 19th century hotel, explains the textile years of the city, and includes one of Thomas Edison’s original electric motors. There are nature centres and preserves, motor sports museums—including the NASCAR Hall of Fame and the President James K. Polk Historic site.

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Cedar Rapids, Iowa was the home of Grant Wood, the artist who painted the second most parodied painting in the world, American Gothic, ca. 1930. Grant’s studio is intact, and part of a museum dedicated to Wood and his work. It is located just a short walk from downtown Cedar Rapids.

The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library re-opened in 2012 with an exhibit entitled Alphonse Mucha: Inspirations of Art Nouveau that contained pieces from Prague and London. Another gallery exhibits the culture, art and history of Czechs and Slovaks and includes an original two-room 1880s immigrant house. For outdoor fun, visit the Indian Creek Nature Center and the Cedar River. The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art is housed in an intriguing building pictured below.

Fargo, North Dakota

The city of Fargo, North Dakota was founded in 1871 on the Red River. Home to North Dakota State University and famously known as the location for the 1996 Coen brother’s film Fargo, the city is an important hub for eastern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota. The Plain Art Museum, located downtown, is the largest museum in the region and contains modern, contemporary, regional and Native American artworks.

The Red River Zoo houses some of the world’s rarest cold weather species on 33 acres. For baseball fans, the Roger Maris Museum is a must. Before becoming incorporated as part of the United States—during the Convention of 1818 between the United States and Great Britain—Fargo was a thriving fur trading settlement and remnants of that history abound in the city today.

Stanley, IdahoStanley, Idaho

Stanley, Idaho. Photo, Thomas Dils.

Stanley, Idaho

Stanley is one of the most beautiful and pristine places in the United States and shouldn’t be missed on a visit around the country. The Stanley Museum is housed in a former US Forest Service Ranger Station where you can learn about early settlers, miners and ranchers.

Yankee Fork Dredge is well-preserved old dredge where you can learn about gold mining. And surrounding ghost towns are interesting to visit. The views in and around Stanley are breathtaking and The Iron Creek Trail to Sawtooth Lake is a hike for almost everyone.

Elmgreen and Dragset's Prada Marfa public art installation, Marfa, TexasElmgreen and Dragset's Prada Marfa public art installation, Marfa, Texas

Elmgreen and Dragset’s Prada Marfa public art installation, Marfa, Texas. Photo, David Solce.

Marfa, Texas

Located between the Davis Mountains and Big Bend National Park, Marfa, Texas is one of the most eclectic small towns in the country. Founded in the 1880s as a water stop the popularity of this high desert town has usually hovered around 1700 residents.

Marfa has for the past few decades become a destination for people who love minimalist art. Donald Judd is attributed with bringing the NYC art scene to Marfa, Texas and his foundation maintains and preserves Judd’s pieces, workspaces, libraries, and archives. There are museums, galleries, boutique shops, restaurants, bars and a boot shop that allow you to have an engaging, fun visit.

If you catch a glimpse of the Marfa Lights while you are there, consider yourself lucky. Both El Cosmico and Hotel Saint George are creatively conscious spots to stay over.

Door County, Wisconsin

Door County has a total area of 2,370 square miles of which 482 are land and 1,888 are water. With 298 miles of shoreline the parks, paths and other outdoor activities are virtually non-stop. The county was created in 1851 and is named for the strait between Door Peninsula and Washington Island, called Death’s Door. Located not too far from expensive Chicago, this is a great getaway for anyone looking for some peace and quiet.

By 1895 commercial fruit orchards were being established and today harvesting is a commercial and retail event. Apple, strawberry and cherry seasons are all occasions for festivals. There are many independent artists in Door County that open their studios to the public. There are numerous galleries, restaurants, breweries and wineries to visit. Kayak and boating tours, as well as bird watching, hiking and biking will keep everyone busy, in all seasons.

With so many places to visit it is hard to choose a favourite, but regardless of your destination, you can create wonderful memories wherever you decide to go.

RankTribe™ Black Business Directory News – Arts & Entertainment

NEWS GLEAMS | President Biden Delivers State of the Union Address; Big Freedia Supports Free Vaccination Campaign

A roundup of news and announcements we don’t want to get lost in the fast-churning news cycle!

curated by Vee Hua 華婷婷


✨Gleaming This Week✨


[embedded content]

President Biden Delivers State of the Union Address

On Tuesday evening, Feb. 7, President Joe Biden delivered his annual State of the Union address, which was the first one to take place in-person since the COVID-19 pandemic. He began the address by welcoming new House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), who is the first African American to take on that role. Biden also paid homage to former House Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi, who led House Democrats for 20 years.

Much of Biden’s address was focused on the economy and the importance of creating American jobs. He pledged a return to microchip manufacturing; shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic had illuminated the need for the key parts to be created in the United States. Biden’s focus on infrastructure included the need for electric vehicle stations, internet access for communities across the U.S., clean water through the replacement of lead pipes, and “fixing over 65,000 miles of highway and 1,500 bridges in disrepair,” a campaign set to begin this year. He tied it in with the country’s unemployment rate, which is at its lowest in 50 years despite rising inflation. The country has not reached a recession.

An extensive amount of time was spent on the Biden administration’s bipartisan passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022, which, among other provisions, is focused on the creation of clean energy jobs, tax reforms focused on corporations, American manufacturing, and lowered health care costs. Biden spoke extensively about lowering or capping the prices of prescription drugs and that part of his commitments were to make sure that “Big Pharma” was not taking advantage of the American people.

Present among the evening’s guests were the parents of Tyre Nichols, who was recently killed at the hands of the Memphis Police Department. Biden used the incident as an opportunity to urge Congress to come together and pass police accountability legislation. He also urged an assault weapons ban, citing the 10 years when they were banned between 1994 and 2004 as influential in lowering the number of mass shootings within that period.

Other issues Biden touched upon briefly included the need for stricter controls and checks at the nation’s border to curb fentanyl smuggling and the need for higher wages for teachers and increased mental health services in schools. On the last point, he called for bipartisan legislation to help curb negative impacts of social media on youth.

On the controversial topic of immigration, Biden had a relatively light touch, though he did speak of a need for securing borders and providing a pathway for Dreamers to attain citizenship.

Overall, despite a couple moments of vocal opposition or agreement from those in the audience, Biden stressed collaboration. He ended with a call for unity, saying, “We are the United States of America, and there’s nothing beyond our capacity if we do it together.”


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Big Freedia at New Orleans Jazz Fest 2014. Photo is attributed to kowarski (under a Creative Commons, CC BY 2.0 license).

” data-medium-file=”https://i0.wp.com/southseattleemerald.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2014_04.26_WikiMediaCommons_BigFreediaAndTheSoulRebels-NewOrleansJazzFest_kowarski.jpg?fit=300%2C200&ssl=1″ data-large-file=”https://i0.wp.com/southseattleemerald.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2014_04.26_WikiMediaCommons_BigFreediaAndTheSoulRebels-NewOrleansJazzFest_kowarski.jpg?fit=474%2C316&ssl=1″ decoding=”async” loading=”lazy” width=”474″ height=”316″ src=”http://www.akh99.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/news-gleams-president-biden-delivers-state-of-the-union-address-big-freedia-supports-free-vaccination-campaign-2.jpg” alt=”Photo depicting Big Freedia in a pink ensemble singing on stage.” class=”wp-image-99369″ srcset=”http://www.akh99.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/news-gleams-president-biden-delivers-state-of-the-union-address-big-freedia-supports-free-vaccination-campaign-8.jpg 1024w, http://www.akh99.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/news-gleams-president-biden-delivers-state-of-the-union-address-big-freedia-supports-free-vaccination-campaign-9.jpg 300w, http://www.akh99.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/news-gleams-president-biden-delivers-state-of-the-union-address-big-freedia-supports-free-vaccination-campaign-10.jpg 150w, http://www.akh99.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/news-gleams-president-biden-delivers-state-of-the-union-address-big-freedia-supports-free-vaccination-campaign-11.jpg 768w, http://www.akh99.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/news-gleams-president-biden-delivers-state-of-the-union-address-big-freedia-supports-free-vaccination-campaign-12.jpg 1200w, http://www.akh99.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/news-gleams-president-biden-delivers-state-of-the-union-address-big-freedia-supports-free-vaccination-campaign-13.jpg 1280w, http://www.akh99.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/news-gleams-president-biden-delivers-state-of-the-union-address-big-freedia-supports-free-vaccination-campaign-14.jpg 948w” sizes=”(max-width: 474px) 100vw, 474px” data-recalc-dims=”1″>

Big Freedia at New Orleans Jazz Fest 2014. Photo is attributed to kowarski (under a Creative Commons, CC BY 2.0 license).

Big Freedia Partners With Black Pride and POCAAN for Free Show and Vaccination Clinic

This Friday, Feb. 10, renowned purveyor of New Orleans Bounce music Big Freedia will partner with Pacific Northwest Black Pride (PNWBP) and POCAAN (People of Color Against AIDS Network) for a free performance at the LGBTQIA+ bar and venue The Comeback Seattle. The free show will also include performances from Ladie Chablis and DJ Cheri’Amour.

According to a press release from Northwest Black Pride, “All donations/tickets will benefit Seattle BIPOC communities needing housing, jobs, and life-affirming resources. POCAAN will also provide on-site HIV testing, monkeypox and flu vaccinations, and additional health-related information. Free $25 gift cards will be given away to the first 100 people served. Those disproportionately most impacted and needing access to vaccinations still include BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities.”

Though the performance is free to everyone, VIP ticket holders will be invited to a special breakfast function and a meet-and-greet with Big Freedia.

To RSVP, visit LituationBigFreedia.Eventbrite.com or visit the Facebook event page. Additional information is available at NWBlackPride.org.



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