The group introduced on Thursday that it’s going to drop the phrase ” Antebellum ” from the identify it has used since its formation in 2006 and go by Lady A, a nickname it says followers have lengthy used.
The change, the group stated in a press release, comes after realizing the phrase‘s association to slavery.
Expensive followers… pic.twitter.com/7JlcH2NMl6
— Girl A (@ladya) June 11, 2020
“After we set out collectively virtually 14 years in the past, we named our band after the southern ‘ lady Antebellum ‘ model dwelling the place we took our first pictures. As musicians, it reminded us of all of the music born within the south that influenced us…southern rock, blues, R&B, gospel and naturally nation,” the band stated. “However we’re regretful and embarrassed to say that we didn’t take into consideration the associations that crush this phrase referring to the interval of historical past earlier than the civil battle, which incorporates slavery.”
The group, which is made up of musicians Hillary Scott, Dave Haywood and Charles Kelley, added that they’re, “are deeply sorry for the harm this has brought on and for anybody who has felt unsafe, unseen or unvalued.”
“Inflicting ache was by no means our hearts’ intention, but it surely would not change the truth that certainly, it did simply that,” they wrote. “So right this moment, we converse up and make a change. We hope you’ll dig in and be part of us.”
The change comes after, they wrote, a interval of “private reflection, band dialogue, prayer and lots of trustworthy conversations with a few of our closest black mates and colleagues.”
“We have watched and listened greater than ever these previous few weeks, and our hears have been stirred with conviction, our eyes opened large to the injustices, inequality and biases black ladies and men have all the time confronted and proceed to face day by day,” they wrote. “Now, blindspots we did not even know existed have been revealed.”
The band vowed that their identify change is simply the primary of many steps they may soak up a dedication to “follow antiracism.” “We are going to proceed to coach ourselves, have exhausting conversations and search the elements of our hearts that want pruning — to develop into higher people, higher neighbors,” they wrote.
“Our subsequent outward step might be a donation to the equal justice initiative by means of Ladyaid. Our prayer is that if we lead by instance…with humility, love, empathy and motion…we will be higher allies to these affected by spoken and unstated injustices, whereas influencing our kids and generations to come back.”
