By: Stacey Dean
Step into the rhythm of the music industry’s heartbeat, where insatiable talent meets purpose head-on. In this interview we touch upon the impactful journey of Lachi, an award-winning recording artist and songwriter, USA Today’s 2024 Woman of the Year, and visionary Disability Culture activist. Born legally blind, this disability icon is one who defies limits; work transcends boundaries, and mission redefines the face of diversity and inclusion.
Interviewer: Lachi, it’s an honor to have you here. Your journey is nothing short of inspiring. From collaborating with legends like Alicia Keys and apl.de.ap to your groundbreaking advocacy work, you’ve become a driving force for change. Tell us, what fuels your relentless pursuit of inclusion and authenticity in your music?
Lachi: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here. For me, it’s all about staying true to myself and my experiences. Growing up as a legally blind Black woman in Upstate New York, I’ve faced my fair share of challenges. But through music, I found my voice and a platform to advocate for others like me. It’s about breaking down barriers and amplifying diverse voices in an industry that sometimes overlooks them.
Interviewer: Your dedication to shedding light on Black disability history is truly commendable. Can you share more about the importance of recognizing these often overlooked narratives?
Lachi: Absolutely. There’s so much richness and resilience in Black disability history that deserves to be celebrated. From trailblazers like Tom Wiggins to unsung heroes like Brad Lomax, their stories are a testament to the strength of the human spirit. By shining a spotlight on these narratives, we’re not only honoring their legacies but also challenging societal norms and fostering greater understanding and empathy.
Photo Courtesy: Lachi Music
Interviewer: And your work with initiatives like RAMPD is truly groundbreaking. How do you see the landscape of the music industry evolving in terms of inclusion and representation?
Lachi: I believe we’re at a pivotal moment of change. Artists like Drake and Kendrick Lamar are opening up about their mental health struggles, and movements like Black Lives Matter are amplifying marginalized voices like never before. Through RAMPD and other initiatives, we’re pushing for systemic change and creating a more equitable and inclusive industry for all. It’s about fostering a culture where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
Interviewer: Your journey is an inspiration to so many aspiring artists out there. What advice would you give to those who are navigating their own path in the music industry?
Lachi: My advice would be to stay true to yourself and never be afraid to speak your truth. Embrace your uniqueness and use your platform to uplift others. Surround yourself with a supportive community, and never underestimate the power of your voice. And above all, remember that your story matters—don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
Interviewer: Your video “Lift Me Up” is screening at the Cannes Film Festival 2024. What is the meaning behind this song, and where can we watch it?
Lachi: “Lift Me Up” is a disability pride anthem featuring James Ian, Gaelynn Lea and myself. Collectively, we’ve hit millions of streams across platforms within days of it going live. The single honors renowned disability rights activist Judy Heumann who passed away earlier this year, celebrating Disability Pride Month and marked the 50th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. After my good friend and mentor Judy Heumann passed, I began writing this song really just to cope. And wow, this thing has blown up in such a beautiful way. I couldn’t have asked for a better cast of co-writers, performers and crew to lift up inclusion, community and belonging in this way. On my website, I’m giving you free downloads of the song. The video is on there, too.
Interviewer: Thank you, Lachi, for sharing your insights and passion with us today. Your contributions to the music industry are truly invaluable, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for you.
Lachi: Thank you for taking an interest in my game of life and Disability Culture. I am grateful for your energy.
Published by: Holy Minoza
{
“@context”: “https://schema.org”,
“@type”: “FAQPage”,
“mainEntity”: [
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “What motivates Lachi in her music and advocacy work?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Lachi’s motivation comes from staying true to herself and her experiences as a legally blind Black woman. She uses her music as a platform to break down barriers and amplify diverse voices, advocating for inclusion and authenticity in the music industry.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Why is recognizing Black disability history important to Lachi?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Lachi believes that recognizing Black disability history is crucial because it highlights the richness and resilience of these often overlooked narratives. By honoring the legacies of figures like Tom Wiggins and Brad Lomax, she aims to challenge societal norms and foster greater understanding and empathy.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “What advice does Lachi have for aspiring artists?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Lachi advises aspiring artists to stay true to themselves, embrace their uniqueness, and use their platform to uplift others. She emphasizes the importance of having a supportive community and remembering that their stories matter.”
}
}
]
}
{
“@context”: “https://schema.org”,
“@type”: “WebPage”,
“keywords”: [
“Lachi music advocacy”,
“Black disability history”,
“RAMPD music inclusion”,
“advice for aspiring artists”,
“Lift Me Up disability pride anthem”
]
}
