Paramore’s lead vocalist, Hayley Williams, has leveled accusations of racism against the Tennessee legislature. She is refusing recognition from the state’s House of Representatives after it passed a resolution honoring her band for its recent Grammy victory but delayed approval of a similar acknowledgment for folk artist Allison Russell, who is Black.
Here are the key points:
- Both Williams and Russell are residents of Tennessee and were slated for recognition by the House on Monday. Tennessee Representative Justin Jones (D-Nashville) introduced separate resolutions to commemorate the Grammy achievements of each artist, as reported by The Tennessean.
- Earlier this month, Paramore clinched Grammys for best alternative music performance and best rock album, while Russell earned her inaugural Grammy for best American roots performance.
- When the time came to vote on the resolution, the measure honoring Paramore passed smoothly. However, House Republican Caucus Chair Jeremy Faison (R-Cosby) objected to the resolution for Russell, prompting its return to committee, according to The Tennessean.
- In a statement to Forbes on Friday, Faison stated that he was approached by “several members” of the House with queries about Russell, which led him to deem it appropriate to pause the resolution concerning her.
- While technically any objected resolution can be reintroduced for another vote, such actions are often considered unfavorable in the state body, as noted by The Tennessean.
- Both Williams, who is white, and Russell denounced the decision as racially motivated. Williams labeled it an illustration of the “blatant racism of our state leadership” in a statement on Friday, while Russell criticized the rejection on X, formerly known as Twitter, stating that it showcased the House’s “bigotry.”
- Faison’s statement did not directly address the allegations of racism or elaborate on the questions raised by other legislators about Russell.
- Russell has previously spoken out against the GOP-led Tennessee House and participated in a rally last year protesting the expulsion of Jones and Representative Justin Pearson (D-Memphis), who were removed from the body for breaching decorum rules following a mass shooting at a local school.
Hayley Williams performs onstage at Bridgestone Arena on March 20, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. GETTY IMAGES
CHIEF CRITIC
Faison countered the accusations by highlighting a recent incident where a Nashville Democrat removed 13 resolutions, including those honoring a deceased U.S. Army combat veteran, an entire elementary school, and middle school teachers, from the consent calendar. He emphasized that such actions didn’t lead him to assume that all Democrats hold disdain for veterans, public education, and teachers, suggesting that these are standard procedures to honor the deliberative process followed by most states.
TANGENT
Jones echoed Russell and Williams’ sentiments, suggesting racial implications in the decision. He noted that while both Paramore and Allison Russell were slated for recognition with resolutions, only the resolution for Russell, a Black queer woman, was removed from the consent calendar. Jones emphasized Russell’s advocacy for inclusivity and justice in Tennessee.
KEY BACKGROUND
Russell boasts a music career spanning over two decades, performing with bands like Po’ Girl, Birds of Chicago, and Our Native Daughters. Her solo album released in 2021 garnered critical acclaim, earning her eight Grammy nominations, including for best Americana album. Russell’s activism extends to national and Tennessee politics, where she has advocated for common sense gun safety legislation and a cease-fire in Gaza. Her 2024 Grammy-winning performance of “Eve is Black” addresses issues of white supremacy. Russell’s identity as a biracial, queer Canadian-born woman informs her advocacy for marginalized communities. Both Williams and Russell highlighted the upcoming election, expressing hopes for meaningful change in Tennessee through voter participation and advocacy for equality.