Mickey Guyton, renowned country singer, discusses the importance of her performance at the Democratic National Convention, stating that "Shirley Chisholm paved the way for Kamala Harris to ascend."
On Monday evening, Guyton joins performers like James Taylor and Jason Isbell at the DNC.
Guyton expressed her deep love for her nation and felt privileged to foster unity within such a significant movement. She shared this sentiment with CNN in an interview held on Monday.
Becoming the first Black woman to receive a Grammy nod for best country solo performance in 2021, Guyton admitted that she hadn't envisioned a woman of color possibly ascending to the presidency of the United States.
Guyton found it inspiring to witness a figure who not only possessed great intellect but also shared her racial identity vying for the nation's top office. She strongly believed that Harris represented something significant to countless individuals.
She continued, stating how she never anticipated witnessing a woman preside over the country in her lifetime, but now it seemed achievable.
Regarding Harris' journey, Guyton expressed her joy, reiterating the tremendous impact it had on her personally. She went on to applaud Harris, an Alpha Kappa Alpha member, biracial lawyer, and a graduate of a Historically Black College or University (HBCU), for providing hope to the nation.
Guyton's acclaimed 2020 track, "Black Like Me," was released when the public was embroiled in demonstrations following the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police. Guyton has been open about the racism she's faced in country music and has proudly asserted her role in forging a path for other Black artists within the genre.
Reflecting on her DNC performance, she said, "For me, it's so much more than a genre of music. This is about humanity, this is about our culture, and this is about our country." She proudly admitted to feeling honored to be a part of history's making.
Finally, Guyton drew parallels between Harris' campaign and that of Shirley Chisholm, who became the first Black candidate to seek a major party nomination in 1972. Guyton concluded by stating, "All I have to say is Shirley Chisholm flew so Kamala could soar."
Guyton's soulful performance at the DNC was a highlight of the evening, proving that music is a powerful tool for entertainment and unity. After her Grammy nomination, Guyton's music served as a platform to voice her experiences and advocate for change in the country music scene.
