Amid the vibrant music scene in Indianapolis, a local initiative is redirecting attention to a significant but often overlooked aspect of the genre. Spirit & Place hosted “My Black Country” at the Madam Walker Legacy Center, aiming to celebrate the profound influence of Black artists on country music.
This inaugural event, organized in collaboration with Indiana University Research and the School of Liberal Arts Center for Africana Studies and Culture, provided a free opportunity for the community to engage with the rich history of Black contributions to the genre. “Country music does not exist without Black geniuses,” asserted Alice Randall, who traveled from Nashville to participate. “Country music is intrinsically an Afro-Celtic form. Events like this spotlight history that is being lost.”
Erin Kelley, program director for Spirit & Place, highlighted the organization’s new partnership with Indiana University, which enables them to feature national talent and elevate important messages. “Inclusivity is not a problem and not dangerous. It’s a wonderful space to do something that you might not normally do or to hear something that you might not normally hear,” added Dr. Leslie Etienne, an Assistant Professor of Africana Studies at IU Indianapolis.
The evening also showcased performances by Leyla McCalla, a founding member of Our Native Daughters and an alum of the Grammy-winning group The Carolina Chocolate Drops. The event served as a tribute to GRATITUDE, the theme for the upcoming 2024 Spirit & Place Festival, scheduled from November 1 to November 10, further emphasizing the importance of recognizing diverse influences in the arts.
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