Diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) executives from the Recording Academy, Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment and Warner Music Group have promised to work together to end systemic bias, racism and inequity in the music industry.
“Together, we are committed to the work ahead and the partnership required to drive necessary and long overdue change in music for all underrepresented communities,” said the DE&I chiefs in a statement. They include the Recording Academy’s Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion A Ryan Butler; Recording Academy’s Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Valeisha Butterfield Jones; Universal Music Group’s SVP, Chief Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Officer Liliahn Majeed; Universal Music Group’s Director of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Naledi Nyahuma Seck; Warner Music Group’s Global Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Dr Maurice Stinnett; and Sony Music Entertainment’s Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Tiffany R Warren.
SHARED DE&I AGENDA
“During one of the most difficult years imaginable in the world and in music, from racial injustice and social unrest to a public global health crisis, we are reminded of the unifying and healing power of music,” they stated. “As a group of recently appointed Diversity, Equity and Inclusion leaders, we are proud to share that we have joined forces during a historic two-part meeting to build community, discuss the current landscape of DEI in music and align on a shared agenda.”
They also highlighted their solidarity with #TheShowMustBePaused and the progress Jamila Thomas and Brianna Agyemang have accomplished this year. “We share the common goal of working to ensure that the companies we represent are doing the deep work to examine systemic racism and inequity; and are taking the necessary actions to accelerate progress on representation, equity and meaningful community engagement with and for Black people and communities,” they added.
ROADMAP TO END BIAS
The collective statement represents the outcome of two virtual meetings held over the several weeks between all six of the industry’s recently appointed DE&I executives. So how do they plan to end systematic bias racism and inequity in the music industry and make it more inclusive?
The full plan is in the form of a road map to help the industry achieve much-needed change on the colorofchange.org platform. It also includes resources to help increase the number of Black and people of colour in the Academy, as well as the broader music industry.
The roadmap not only includes guidance on how to invest in Black talent and retain it, but also encourages the music industry to start carrying out annual diversity audits on minority representation, as well as pay disparities. Additionally, it also encourages investment in anti-racist training, and partnering up with the Black community. Click here for more information.
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