Shaboozey took a powerful stance against the country’s increased anti-immigration efforts during his Grammy speech.
The Virginia native, raised by Nigerian immigrants, emotionally dedicated his Grammy Award for Best Country Duo/Group Performance to individuals similar to himself who are children of immigrants. The singer had won for his “Amen” track, which he collaborated on with fellow country singer Jelly Roll. “Immigrants built this country, literally,” he said. “So, this is for them, for all children of immigrants.”
He continued, “This is also for those who came to this country in search of better opportunity to be a part of a nation that promised freedom for all and equal opportunity to everyone willing to work for it.”
“You Give America Color,” Shaboozey Says
Shaboozey added, “Thank you for bringing your culture, your music, your stories, and your traditions here. You give America color.”
Throughout the US, there have been dozens of anti-ICE protests, specifically in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where the organization has violently occupied the area. At least two American citizens—Renee Good and Alex Pretti—have been killed since agents descended on the Twin Cities area. Recently, a local Minnesota rapper, Matthew Allen, a.k.a. Nur-D, was violently detained by ICE agents for participating in a protest.
Speaking with CBS News Minnesota, Allen noted the ongoing tensions between residents and ICE agents have become “life or death.” He continues: “This is real… You could die just for saying, ‘I don’t like this.’” Allen, a longtime community organizer, says he went to the protest to voice his “hurt and pain” and exercise his First Amendment right. “I just don’t think it’s cool to kill people on the street.”
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