The Recording Academy’s Texas Chapter, in partnership with the GRAMMY Museum and Dallas-based Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, hosted the Artists as Activists panel for the second part of their GRAMMY Career Day Series on April 8. The event featured GRAMMY-nominated Houston rapper Bun B, Pussy Riot’s Nadya Tolokonnikova and was moderated by the Recording Academy’s Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer Valeisha Butterfield Jones.
The panel kicked off with a presentation from Booker T. Washington senior music student Alexandria Carrington, who shared the music video for her song “In the Dark.” At the end of it, Carrington reflected on the meaning of the lyrics: “It’s about listening to the voices that have been silenced and eradicating the systems that oppress us.”
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The theme of transparency within Carrington’s song created momentum for an engaging and open conversation between the panelists about their experience with activism throughout their careers. Jones opened the conversation with words that spoke to music’s historic role in activism as it has "the power to unify, the power to heal." She also noted how music gives people the ability to speak up and how it has empowered social justice movements like Black Lives Matter, which was amplified during the pandemic.
The artists shared inspiring words as well, giving their advice to students who want to be outspoken about issues they care about.
As an artist who has been on the frontlines of music and activism throughout his career, Bun B also emphasized music’s impact on activism.
"There has always been a musical component, or some level of artistic component, to protesting and activism in America," he said.
For students starting to carve their path in activism work, he highlighted the importance of getting to know the environments they choose to advocate in—their contribution can go beyond only participating in marches and rallies.
"There is a place for everybody. If they are an artist, they can help paint a mural. If they are a musician, they can write a song about the social movement to help unify the community," he said. "Struggles always need soundtracks."
Tolokonnikova, who for years has spoken out against the Russian government, echoed that she found comfort in expressing her views through art. She uses her artistry to convey the possible negative outcomes of the future that she envisions in her head. She encouraged students who want to participate in critical movements to "do something that you enjoy [doing] naturally."
A significant piece of advice Tolokonnikova highlighted was for students to take care of their well-being during their involvement in activism.
"It is important that whatever you are doing is ecological, consistent, and sustainable for you, your mental health, and the community around you," she said.
When it comes to measuring personal impact, the panelists agreed that effort weighs more than numbers do.
"You just need to do it because you feel it is the right thing to do," Tolokonnikova said.
The program concluded with a Q&A session that left the students with empowering advice around confidence and sustaining passion for what they want to accomplish in their activism and life.
"If you try to get somewhere in life, and you do not make it there, that does not mean that you did not try hard enough," Bun B said.
"Even if you do not get to where you think you are supposed to be, you will be more surprised of where you end up," he continued. "Try everything."