Wonderful and Powerful Statement

In the wake of the Zimmerman verdict, the list of artists refusing to perform in Florida is growing to include Stevie Wonder, Mary Mary and The O’Jays. Life long Florida resident, artist and activist Betty Wright, also the mother of a murdered son, offers an interesting perspective on the matter.

Ms. Wright says “This issue didn’t just start for me. I have been in the commander’s booth with Chaka Khan since April 2012 at the first Trayvon Martin rallies and boycotting the Koch company products. I do know the power of Stevie Wonder and he made a powerful statement. I understand the power of Jay-Z and Beyoncé appearing at the New York rally. Jay is scheduled to perform in Florida next month. There are all kinds of way for us to make a statement. Not performing here in Florida is not going to make a huge difference. Take the money you would’ve made in Florida and put it to use to change the Stand Your Ground law. I had a son that was murdered here in Florida, so who knows this feeling more than me. I’ve lived in Florida all of my life and I’m putting my money where my mouth is. It’s caused a divide that we’ve worked so many years to bring together. July 23rd is “Boycott Florida Day.” People that live here and support the cause are not spending any money anywhere tomorrow. One way to get the attention of the powers that be is through commerce. Injustice to anyone is injustice to everyone.”

We will continue to post artist perspectives and other comments as they are received. As of this posting we can add the following artists who’ve allegedly joined Stevie’s cause:

Rod Stewart, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Patti LaBelle, Parliament/Funkadelic, Madonna, Alicia Keys, Usher, Will.I.Am, R. Kelly, Trey Songz, Erykah Badu, Mary J. Blige, Kanye West, Wale, Young Jeezy, Charlie Wilson, Joe, Ciara, Kelly Rowland and Keyshia Cole.

Let’s add Stephanie Mills and DL Hughley to the list!