Lady Antebellum changes her name to Lady A
The group announced on Thursday that they will remove the word “Antebellum” from the name it has used since its formation in 2006 and will be given Lady A, a nickname that fans say has been used for a long time.
The change, the group said in a statement, comes after it realized the connection between the word and slavery.
“When we spent time together almost 14 years ago, we named our band after the southern home in the style of ‘antebellum’ where we took our first photos. As musicians, it reminded us of all the music born in the south that influenced us. .Southern rock, blues, R&B, gospel and of course country, ”the band said. “But with regret and shame we say that we have not taken into account the associations that dare this word, and relate to the period of history before the Civil War, which includes slavery.”
The group, made up of musicians Hillary Scott, Dave Haywood and Charles Kelley, added that they were “deeply sorry for the injury it inflicted and for anyone who feels insecure, unseen or unappreciated”.
“Causing pain was never the intention of our heart, but that doesn’t change the fact that he really did,” they wrote. “So we’re talking and changing today. We hope you’ll sign up and join us.”
The change comes after, they wrote, periods of “personal reflection, discussion of the band, prayers and many sincere conversations with some of our closest black friends and colleagues.”
“Over the last few weeks, we’ve watched and listened more than ever, and our hearings have been excited with conviction, our eyes wide open to the injustices, inequalities and biases that black women and men have always faced and face on a daily basis.” they wrote. “Now, temples that we didn’t even know existed have been discovered.”
The band has vowed that the name change is just the first of many steps it will take in its commitment to “practicing anti-racism.”
“We will continue to educate ourselves, have difficult conversations and search the parts of the heart that need circumcision – to grow into better people, better neighbors,” they wrote. “Our next external step will be to donate to the Equal Justice Initiative through Ladyaid. Our prayer is that if we lead by example … humility, love, empathy and action … we can be better allies to those who speak and unspoken injustices, while influencing our children and generations to come. ”
Friendly alcohol advocate. Future teen idol. Beer aficionado. Amateur music fanatic. Food guru.
