Starting Your Dreams Later In Life and Embracing the Detour

Jenee Darden speaking at Creative Mornings I know it's been a while since I've posted anything but that's because of my job. I'm working as a reporter covering Oakland and I host an arts segment on the radio where I get to interview amazing artists from around the Bay Area. Plus I'm publicizing my book  and building my speaking career!  You know what's funny? I thought this would all happen by the time I was 27-30.  Nope. That wasn't God's plan for me. I'm finally beginning to do the things I've wanted to do and I'm almost 40 years old. Some people reading this who are 40 will say 40 is still young. But some younger people reading may think 40 is nearly ancient. But I'm writing this post for those who like me, thought their career and personal dreams would come true much early in life. I'm here to tell you not to give up.  You know, death inspires life. A number of my relatives and friends have passed away, ranging in
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A Deeper Meaning Behind the Beyonce and Dixie Chicks Country Music Awards Performance



While fighting some bug so I can salvage the fun weekend I have planned, I caught Beyonce and the Dixie Chick's "Daddy Lessons" performance on the CMAs. They killed it! But they also sent a message. The message was, "We all belong on this stage." 

The Dixie Chicks were on top of the music industry. Then in 2003 they got the (cowboy) boot and  from the country music scene after member Natalie Maines told a London crowd she was ashamed of then Pres. George W. Bush. I remember after that people would say to watch your words so you don't get "Dixie Chicked." Country music conservative fans labeled them unpatriotic and you didn't hear much from them after that. This CMA appearance was their first after a 10-year hiatus.
They returned to the stage with a lethal weapon, Queen Bey, who also has faced criticism for speaking out. In Bey's case she has spoken against police brutality. 

Some country music fans didn't want her on the show because they think she's racist, hates, cops, yadda, yadda, yadda--all that foolishness. And of course we've been fooled to think that Black artists have no place in country because it's white music. 

WRONG! 

Black folks played a major role in the creation of country music. Just like other art forms we created, white folks ran with it and blocked us out of the industry. There's a great article here that tells the story. 

A group of liberal women, attacked for their views, performed at the 50th Country Music Awards. The Dixie Chicks deserved to be up there despite their political views. Beyonce was letting folks know that country music has Black roots. They all deserved to be on the stage. They deserve a place in country music. I hope their performance inspires other women and people of color to give country a try. 

Okay now back to me battling this bug. I need some whiskey in my tea! 

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