Alicia Keys On Fighting Racism: You have to be afraid to be killed just because you’re black!

Grammy award winning singer and songwriter and The Voice coach Alicia Keys recently chatted about her new album, TV gig, fighting racism and no make-up movement. Check out a few excerpts.

On her new music:

I’ve decided I don’t want to sit at a piano anymore! It’s constricting, you know? You have to stand to play this type of music. We allow ourselves to become censored because we don’t want to offend people. We’ll be whoever everyone wants us to be. I didn’t want to be that anymore. This was the first time I created music with such intention. Coupled with the fire that’s in the world is the inescapable fire in myself.

On being a coach on The Voice:

To be the first black woman coach—a producer, a writer, an arranger and the crafts maker of my career—sharing that experience with people who want this is one of the most fun things I’ve ever done.

On standing up for your rights: 

It’s an imperative time to be loud. We’re not going to be silenced. All of us are battling wars: sexism, ageism, racism. We’re fighting the war of borders. We’re fighting a war as women. As a black woman raising black sons, I’m seeing so much systemic racism exploding in our faces. These days you have to be afraid to be killed just because you’re black! It’s devastating.

Outrageous statements are made out of fear and hate. The intolerance is not acceptable. It’s ancient and patriarchal. The way to propel our country forward is not by building walls. Anyone that thinks that is out of their mind.

On her surprise upcoming show is New York City:

I’ve never done this before. I guess that’s where I’m at right now. I’ve never done any of it before. You’re going to get a taste of how art and activism cross over in a way that’s so emotional, so triumphant.

On her no makeup movement: 

I promise you I had no idea that it would be such a touchstone. I was just sharing this revelation: I realized I’d been covering up in so many ways. What if I don’t want to put on makeup, heels, get all dressed up? We’re trying to break out of our inherited stereotypes and misinformation. It’s screwing us all up. I’m trying to work on loving myself the best that I can.

By –@thankm3soon