If you’ve paid attention to announcements about the 42nd Annual Dove Awards this year, you’ve probably noticed a trend. Here’s what I’m seeing…
I see that the Dove Awards changed its home– for the first time ever– from country Nashville, TN to urban Atlanta, GA.
I see that the show’s only host is Sherri Shepherd, a gifted African-American actress/comedian with a wide Caucasian demographic of followers from her co-hosting duties on The View.
I see an influx of gospel artists on this year’s Dove Awards program– Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary, Marvin Sapp, Smokie Norful, Deitrick Haddon, Lecrae… they’re all performing in addition to those that we might consider the “typical” CCM artists.
I see an organization, often labeled “exclusive” or “segregated,” seemingly making strides to be inclusive and integrated. Perfectly executed? Maybe not. With purest of intentions across the board? I dunno… but I’d rather the organization start here than not at all.
So, with that– I am of the belief that if there is EVER going to be a year for the African-American gospel community to support the Gospel Music Association (GMA) and the Dove Awards, this is the year to do it. This is the year to say to the GMA “we see your effort, and we’ll meet you.”
Be clear– to do so will not be a slight to our home-grown Stellar Awards. That program will still be “ours” (to the extent that we covet ownership of it) and will still feature awards that more thoroughly celebrate the gospel genre that “we” know and love.
But it would be a travesty if, after years of having a HUGE racial elephant in the room, an industry of Christians (who make music to win souls to Christ), can’t lay aside our differences, frustrations and hurts for the sake of some form of reconciliation.
It would be unfortunate, at least, if all “sides” look foreignly at one another, neither trusting the other, waiting for some sort of apology or acknowledgement. And that’s not to say that there are not volumes that need to be spoken or shared– it is to say that our Christian duties remain the same… they are not circumstantial or hinged on what others do to/for us.
Next Wednesday, when the GMA Dove Awards tape in Atlanta, GA at the Fabulous Fox Theatre, we will either see the markings of a new era in Christian music, or a more firmly drawn line in the sand.
The picture that is painted, and displayed for the world to see, will depend on each of us– the Body of Christ.
Be there.
So very true! Great post!
Well put. I've always supported the Stellars and the Doves because it's music to win souls. I'll be watching!
Good point EJ! I think the Stellar's may consider making some changes to their show. Although gospel is now developing a little racial diversity.
I don't think that the Stellars should broaden themselves. There is nothing wrong with a genre to have there own award show. Correct me if I'm wrong but hasn't the Dove awards always had gospel categories? Probably not from the start but it's been a gooood while. I always looked at the Dove awards as the Grammys for Christian/Gospel Music. I always thought the Dove awards treated gospel genre like the Grammys do, lol. Now they are making them equal which is great! The Stellars are for a specific genre. Now if Stellars decides to change who they are than that cool but I don't think it's necessary
Well said, EJ. It's good to know that I was not the only one who noticed the obvious effort on GMA's part to include more black, gospel artist. I think it's wonderful and I will try to tune in. That said, I respectfully disagree with TonyT (the previous poster) who feels the Stellars and the Dove Awards should be combined because we all serve the same God. I think in biblical theory that makes much sense, but clearly we're not there yet as a society. We still have a long way to go... We would have to build more bridges of trust and alliances between the two organizations so that NO ONE feels neglected, slighted or even disrespected. And for the record I am optimistic that the day will come. Live well, All!
When are the Dove Awards airing and on what network. I stil haven't seen the 2011 Stellars. Sad
I think more black gospel programmers should join GMA. I mean, what's the problem? is these programmers and organizations are afraid to join these organizations, yet year after year they complain why there is no diversity in the Doves? I think the programmers and the bloggers and all these music organizations should quit belly aching and make an effort to reach out to our CCM brothers and sisters. And the same should be with our Gospel Music Community, who is also at fault as well. I just hope and pray all generes of Christian music need to accepting toward one another and that they should make a statement to the body. The secular music world does it, why can't the musical body of Christ?
May God Bless You all. Happy Easter April 18, 2011 I would like to compliment Mr. Wayne Brady on such fine website Gospel news he is really a very handsome man and truely blessed with such God Gifted talents. I think of him as my cousin all the time, he may be my cousin but if he isn't then he sure seems like my cousin, I admire him a whole lot, I would like to meet him and get his autograph, along with the Winans and Mr. kirk Franklin and Ms. Shirley Caesar among a others famous vocalist and gospel singers. Happy Easter, Ms. Gloria toohtyfruitiglo@att.net
diddo I too agree w/ EJ's point I'm tired of the stellars aka celebration of Gospel. Same people same songs & same beat.
Ok, the Doves are done now. Ok, and the president of GMA was calling for diveristy, yet the same winnwinners came from the CCM ranks. Why? Are we so because of our race, web are so afraid to join these organizations because we stay and not escape our comfort zone? People in radio and promotions and record companies who are of color, you do not have no right to complain.
I also agree with what was said. I'm justTso excited to know that Lecrae was there. The lord has truly blessed his ministry, and he is the real deal!
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I second that, it takes change on both sides