By Samantha Ofole-Prince
Beyoncé made history at the music industry’s biggest night becoming the first Black woman to ever take home a golden gramophone in the Best Country Album.
The historic win kicked off National Black History Month which is celebrated annually in America.
Held at Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles and hosted by South African comedian and writer Trevor Noah, who was also nominated, the 67th Grammy Awards not only honored the life and legacy of Quincy Jones, with a star-studded salute, but raised funds to support wildfire relief efforts and aid music professionals impacted by the wildfires in Los Angele. Beyoncé, who was snubbed at last year’s Country Music Awards also received her first Album Of The Year award for the album “Cowboy Carter.”
“Sometimes genre is a code word to keep us in our place as artists,” said Beyoncé onstage while receiving her Grammy. Thanking God, her family and her fans, she encouraged people who are passionate about their craft to stay consistent.
Other winners at the prestigious event included Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us”which snagged awards in all five categories he was nominated in. “Love Me JeJe” earned Nigerian singer-songwriter Tems a Grammy for Best African Music Performance. Bob Marley: One Love – Music Inspired By The Film received the Best Reggae Album and Alicia Keys was given the Global Impact Award.
With electrifying performances from artists like Doechii, Shakira, Cynthia Erivo and Janelle Monáe who performed the tribute to the late Quincy Jones, the 67th Annual Grammy Awards honored the best recordings, compositions, and artists from September 16, 2023, to August 30, 2024.
Black History Month has been celebrated every February since 1976 and features numerous entertainment related events showcasing the achievements of Black Americans.
President Donald Trump, on Friday, released a statement honoring American heroes such as Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Thomas Sowell, Justice Clarence Thomas, whom he says “shaped our Nation’s history.” Recognizing February 2025 as National Black History Month, he encouraged the people of the United States to observe the month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.
