Following Paramore’s first two Grammy wins, Tennessee Democrat State Consultant Justin Jones proposed a decision to honor the Hayley Williams-fronted group alongside first-time Grammy winner Allison Russell.
Nevertheless, whereas the state’s Home of Representatives unanimously permitted the Paramore decision, Home Republican Caucus Chair Jeremy Faison objected to the Russell decision and kicked it again to committee.
In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) earlier this week, Jones blamed the GOP members of the chamber for blocking the Russell decision and praised the artist, who he wrote, “has labored tirelessly to foster an inclusive Nashville by her music and continues to make Black Historical past right here in Tennessee.”
In a repost, Russell thanked Jones and Tennessee State Rep. Gloria Johnson for presenting the decision, calling it a “excessive honour.”
“That the TN GOP blocked it, I take as a praise,” Russell added. “Their bigotry, sadly, is on relentless show. Now we have an opportunity this 12 months to make an actual change in TN #loverising #rainbowcoalition #register #vote #rise.”
Russell has continuously objected to anti-LGBTQ laws handed by the state, together with organizing the Love Rising all-star profit final 12 months in protest in opposition to state legal guidelines proscribing drag reveals.
Following the information, Paramore mentioned in an Instagram story that the band “is not going to settle for any acknowledgement or honor from the TN Home till Allison Russell is given the identical recognition.” Then, on Friday, Williams shared an extra assertion through The Tennessean, voicing her assist for Russell.
The singer wrote, “For those who don’t know, Allison Russell is an extremely gifted musician and songwriter. Her music spans genres with sturdy ties to the Folks/Americana scenes. You might need seen her on the Grammy stage performing with the nice Joni Mitchell. Oh, she can be Black. She’s an excellent Black girl.”
She continued, “The blatant racism of our state management is embarrassing and merciless. Myself, in addition to Paramore, will proceed to encourage younger individuals to point out as much as vote with equality in thoughts.”
