The Power of Intentional Consumerism: How We Can Make Country Music More Inclusive

It's no secret that the country music scene has historically been dominated by white artists, despite its origins being rooted in African American culture. However, thanks to the tireless efforts of advocates like Mickey Guyton, things are slowly starting to change.

At a recent event hosted by Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC), Guyton spoke about the importance of intentional consumerism in making country music more inclusive. The event, titled 'Act II: A Conversation Around 'Three Chords and the Actual Truth,'' brought together industry leaders and artists to discuss the historical exclusion of Black talent from the genre.

Guyton, who has been a vocal advocate for greater representation in country music, was overcome with emotion as she looked out at the sea of Black faces in the audience. 'I know y'all are here now, but this is before 2020, so I'm trying not to cry seeing all y'all here and seeing the hard work that we've done,' she said.

The event aimed to highlight the realities of the Nashville music scene and the role that everyone can play in making it more inclusive. Guyton stressed the importance of streaming Black country artists' music and attending their shows, emphasizing that 'we have been fighting and working so hard to make people realize that Black people are country music.'

ACM President and CEO Willie 'Prophet' Stiggers kicked off the event by acknowledging the progress that has been made in recent years. However, he also emphasized the need for continued action, saying 'if we don't talk about this and be intentional with our consumerism, we're done.'

The event was a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and inclusion in the music industry. By supporting Black country artists and attending their shows, fans can help to create a more inclusive landscape for all.

As Guyton so eloquently put it, 'I've been in Nashville for a very long time, and first of all, welcome everybody to country music great that y'all are finally here.' It's clear that the tide is turning, and we can't wait to see what the future holds for country music.

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