In the words of  Martin Luther King Jr:  “We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there ‘is’ such a thing as being too late. This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action.”

Hello! My name is  Annika Chambers-Deslauriers. I’m a Blues Music Award winning artist from Houston Texas; I am also a member of the Blues Foundation. 

I’ve been trying to wrap my mind around the events that have taken place this last week; many of us, black and white folks, have had heartfelt and sometimes even heated discussions with each other. Although this all seemed to start because of a symbol that has been linked with racism and hatred, this issue is bigger than a confederate flag on a classic car or a guitar - these symbols and the responses of the Blues Community at large are highly indicative of deep-rooted problems that beset the Blues industry.

First and foremost, let me commend my sister in music, Mercy Morganfield for her call to action and her willingness to stand up for her father’s legacy and the legacy of the blues. 

There is a reason why we are talking about racism and its relationship to the Blues:

The creators of the Blues date back to the slaves, “freed’ slaves, sharecroppers and all of their descendants.  Blues music was created by African Americans as a means to express their anguish, suffering, and triumph of the spirit over oppression.

This music is the outcry of Black people; our indomitable will to live despite racial oppression were and are the main influences behind this African American art form. 

Since its inception, the Blues has evolved and spread all over the world, been loved and embraced by many cultures and is now performed by a myriad of Global artists. Here in the US, we now find that the Black voice in the Blues is deeply underrepresented. Black artists are often missing or featured sparingly on  Blues stages; in the production and administration departments, black voices are often unheard, unheeded and/or unwelcome.

As I said before, there’s been a lot of talk this week. I myself spoke to a lot of black AND white folks; artists, fans, colleagues in the industries and allies-I just want to say to all of the allies I spoke to I  REALLY appreciate your support and your taking a stance against racial injustices and socioeconomic inequities. These discussions led to all of us identifying some major issues in our community. We were able to pinpoint some tangible changes that need to be made. 

We determined that the issue is that many are failing to honor the Black heritage and deep history of the blues. There is a failure to acknowledge existence of Black artists as valued and marketable assets in the community. There is a lack of investment of resources in inner city schools. Blues in the schools programs needs to spend equal time teaching all youth about the Blues and the importance of keeping the heritage alive. 

Today we NEED change 

We are appealing to the Blues Foundation, Blues Foundation affiliates, fans, artists and those that support the following actions to address systemic inequities and stand with us on the following:

- Better inclusion and representation in all forums of the industry. 

- 50% of the board of directors of the Blues Foundation be reserved for people of color. 

- Reinstate the original name of the Blues Awards back to the W.C. Handy Awards 

- A permanent exhibit in the Blues Hall of Fame that illustrates the Black roots of the blues and the oppression which birthed and nurtured this music. 

Of necessity, this must include the racist history of the record industry including the history of race records and Black owned labels like Black Swan Records. 

- The Blues Foundation mission must be explicit about the racial origin of the Blues and its commitment to its Black founders.

- Every Blues Foundation sponsored event, workshop, talk, discussion or activity includes a Blues heritage acknowledgement. 

We implore and need white allies to take a stand for their fellow Black artists: 

When you are booked and you see little to no Black representation speak up and speak out. Your voice matters!

Labels, agencies, promoters, managers, DJ’s and distributors must make it a priority to ensure that they are representing an equal percentage of Black musicians on their rosters. 

We ask that you show solidarity towards the Black artists in this industry, and sign the petition. 

There is strength in numbers. 

There is power in doing the right thing. 

We can bridge the gap of inequities and inequalities.

And while we know that this music evolves, we must honor the roots from whence it came. 

I have one question for you!

Will you stand in solidarity with us?

The living Black Blues Artists, Blues fans, Allies, Members and anyone who believes in racial equality. Please sign this petition. Please share this petition. And please stand up for what’s right! Thank you for taking the time to listen to this. 

Repectfully 

Annika Chambers-Delauriers, Blues Artist/Heir

Long live the Blues!