This week, a Republican lawmaker blocked a resolution to honor the Grammy victory of Black musician Allison Russell, while a similar accolade for Paramore was allowed to pass. The move sparked a significant outcry, with Hayley Williams taking a firm stand against the TN House’s racial discrimination.
Announcing the band won’t be accepting ‘any acknowledgment or honor from the TN House until Allison Russell is given the same recognition,’ Williams said in a statement to The Tennessean:
“For those that don’t know, Allison Russell is an incredibly talented musician and songwriter. Her music spans genres with strong ties to the Folk/Americana scenes. You might have seen her on the Grammy stage performing with the great Joni Mitchell. Oh, she is also Black. She’s a brilliant Black woman.”
Criticizing the racial motivation behind the decision, she continued:
“The blatant racism of our state leadership is embarrassing and cruel. Myself, as well as Paramore, will continue to encourage young people to show up to vote with equality in mind.”
The Blocking Of Russell’s Resolution
On February 12, Rep. Justin Jones introduced two House resolutions to honor Paramore and Russell, celebrating their recent Grammy successes. But the Russell resolution for the Best American Roots Performance award for her song ‘Eve Was Black’ faced a block from House Republican Caucus Chair Jeremy Faison.
Meanwhile, Paramore’s recognition went through without any issues. Jones highlighted the unfair treatment by saying:
“Allison Russell is a Tennesseean, and she’s someone who’s been a bold voice for a more inclusive, just state. There were two resolutions on the consent calendar that night, one for Paramore and one for Allison Russell. Both have been vocal voices for justice, but only the Black queer woman was bumped off.”
Faison didn’t explain the reason behind his objection. House Majority Leader William Lamberth suggested that objections to consent calendar items sometimes arise from members having ‘additional questions,’ framing the move as a ‘not yet’ rather than a ‘no.’
The Singer’s Response To The Move
This incident has sparked talks about the criteria Tennessee lawmakers use to honor artists and whether this decision was motivated by Russell’s skin color and queerness. Jones attempted to address the issue during a session about recognizing Black history and achievements but was shut down by House Speaker Cameron Sexton.
Despite the controversy, Russell expressed gratitude for the support from Jones and Rep. Gloria Johnson, writing on X:
“That you [Jones] and Gloria Johnson presented this resolution is a high honor. That the TN GOP blocked it, I take as a compliment. Their bigotry, sadly, is on relentless display. We have a chance this year to make a real change in TN.”
Jones and Johnson faced expulsion efforts by Republicans due to their vocal support for free speech and inclusion.