A Conversation On Being African-American In The Nashville Music Industry

Moderated by Beverly Keel, Dean of MTSU College of Media and Entertainment, along with Sekou Franklin, Ph.D., MTSU Department of Political Science, a panel entitled “A Conversation On Being African-American In The Nashville Music Industry” was offered to industry members yesterday on “Black Out Tuesday” to support the African-American community.

Panelists included Charlene Bryant, Founder of Riveter Management; recording artist Mickey Guyton; Gina Miller, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Entertainment One (Nashville); Shannon Sanders, Recording Academy Trustee and Program Director of 102.1 The Ville; Kortney Toney, Corporate Partnerships Manager for the Nashville Symphony, and Candice Watkins, VP of Marketing for Big Loud.

The panelists offered candid and open discussions on what it means to be an African-American member of the Nashville music industry and how all of us can be both collectively and individually become a better ally and supporter.

The conversation proved to be both eye opening and inspiring and gave 600+ listeners actionable items to not only show support of the African-American community, our African-American colleagues and artists we all work with, and the African-American culture, but to help inspire and implement long lasting positive change.

The virtual session (via Zoom) was presented by Entertainment One, Change the Conversation, Digital Divas, MTSU, NABFEME Nashville, The Recording Academy and 102.1 The Ville.

To help foster the candid and personal conversations, the session was not recorded. However, more conversations will be held in the future.

MusicRow Magazine, along with the members of our Nashville music industry, look forward to this first step in listening and learning how to be a better advocate and ally.