By: Sahra Mohamed
When we think of award shows and the disproportionate wins between Black and White artists, it’s understandable that when a Black artist does win, their performance or speech often carries profound significance. Historically, Black artists have been marginalized and overlooked in the music industry. Take, for example, the story of the legendary Ella Fitzgerald. In 1954, Marilyn Monroe was so captivated by Fitzgerald’s voice that she advocated for venues to hire Fitzgerald, despite segregation. However, these venues would only agree to book Ella if Marilyn Monroe was also present, knowing the publicity she would bring.
During this time, Black artists would not only struggle against systemic racial barriers but would often have their work appropriated without credit or recognition. Elvis Presley’s iconic hit “Hound Dog” is often remembered as one of his signature songs, but it was originally recorded by Big Mama Thornton in 1952.
Consider Michael Jackson, a legendary artist whose music videos were initially excluded from MTV’s programming because the network predominantly played videos by White artists. It was only after Michael Jackson and producer Quincy Jones fought for airtime that MTV’s ratings skyrocketed, thanks to hits like “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” and “Thriller.”
When we look at the history of the Grammy Awards since its inception in 1959, it’s staggering to realize that only four Black women have won the coveted Album of the Year award: Natalie Cole, Whitney Houston, Lauryn Hill, and most recently, Beyoncé. This is especially hard to fathom when considering the immense impact of artists like Mariah Carey, Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Alicia Keys, Janet Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Erykah Badu, Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight, Roberta Flack (just to name a few), all of whom have not won this prestigious award despite their groundbreaking influence on the music industry.
Artists like Patti LaBelle, Mary J. Blige, and Sade have also been repeatedly overlooked for this top honor. Even iconic figures like Nina Simone, whose work has transcended generations, has never been recognized with this award, despite her revolutionary contributions to music and social change. The list is long, and it paints a picture of how systemic racial biases have shaped the Grammy voting process and the entertainment industry. Meanwhile, White artists like Taylor Swift have won this award multiple times. This disparity is not just a reflection of talent but of the systemic racial biases within the industry.
So here lies the question, why are some viewers surprised when Black artists use their platform to raise awareness? In a music industry long known for its systemic racism, when a person of color wins, it’s not just a personal achievement, it’s a statement. A moment to uplift other Black artists, call out record labels and industry executives for their racism, and demand change in the American system.
Take Beyoncé’s performance of “Freedom” with Kendrick Lamar at the 2016 BET Awards. This anthem of Black liberation also served as a reminder of every Black soul lost to police brutality. Before this, Beyoncé had already made a bold statement with her 2016 Super Bowl performance, where she surprised the world by joining Coldplay’s halftime show dressed in Black Panther attire.
In that moment, she not only celebrated Black culture but also used the massive global audience to address racial and political injustices. What truly made this Super Bowl moment even more daring was the fact that just the night before, on February 6, 2016, Beyoncé released the surprise music video for Formation. A visual statement that took on issues of Black identity and police brutality while empowering Black women. The video opened with powerful imagery, Beyoncé standing on top of a sinking New Orleans police car, referencing the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, while also calling out the systemic oppression that Black communities face.
The release of Formation was courageous for many reasons. Beyoncé performed her new track, knowing the potential backlash she could face for such a politically charged statement. The song, with its unapologetic nod to Black culture and criticism of police violence, was revolutionary because it confronted uncomfortable truths. This was not just a performance; it was a deliberate act of defiance against the systemic racial injustices that continue to plague America.
Kendrick Lamar’s performances also embody this spirit. As a powerful voice for change, he understands the weight of his platform, especially in the context of racial inequality. When artists like Kendrick seize these moments, it’s not just about their art, it’s about pushing for social change and engaging people from all walks of life, challenging their perceptions and urging them to think critically about the world.
Samuel L. Jackson’s portrayal of “Uncle Sam” in Django Unchained, brilliantly portrayed how America has historically viewed people of color, through a lens of exploitation and control. Until systemic racial disparities and the racial inequalities that have shaped this country for centuries are addressed, people of color will continue to use their platforms to speak out, highlight injustices, challenge the status quo, and uplift those who have been silenced. Perhaps one day, when true equality is achieved, Black artists will no longer feel the pressure to make political statements with every performance. Until then, moments like Beyoncé’s and Kendrick Lamar’s will remain crucial for using the stage to raise awareness, provoke thought, and call for change.
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