In a bold move toward equity in the music industry, Black Lives in Music has unveiled its Anti-Racism Code of Conduct, designed to eradicate racial discrimination, set new standards for inclusion, and take significant strides toward greater social justice.
Founded in 2021, Black Lives in Music (BLiM) is dedicated to tackling the inequality of opportunity for Black, Asian, and ethnically diverse individuals aspiring to be artists or professionals in the music scene. Believing that talent is universally distributed while opportunities are not, BLiM focuses on promoting real equality, ensuring these groups can pursue their musical ambitions in the UK.
Through its recent survey "Being Black in the Music Industry," conducted from April to March this year, BLiM has revealed alarming—and unfortunately not surprising—figures regarding income disparity and negative impacts on mental health, particularly for Black women and people with disabilities.
For instance, 63% of respondents have experienced, either directly or indirectly, some form of racism within the industry. This figure rises to 73% when it comes to racial microaggressions. When discussing career advancement, a staggering 86% feel that their skin colour makes a difference, with that number increasing to 89% for black women and 91% for black artists with disabilities.
To combat these disheartening statistics in the UK music industry, BLiM’s Anti-Racism Code of Conduct covers a broad spectrum of topics, serving as an antidote to racial discrimination and paving the way for inclusion. Key areas include personal safety, anti-racism training, equal pay, fair contracts, career development opportunities, transparency, and the reporting of discrimination.
With an unstoppable momentum throughout 2024, Black Lives in Music will close the year by launching EquiTrack, a groundbreaking software designed to monitor progress in diversity and inclusion across various organizations. This tool is set to be a game-changer in driving the necessary shifts in the music industry, leveraging hard data and cutting-edge technology to foster more inclusive practices.
At Peachz, we proudly champion initiatives that drive meaningful change within the music industry. For us, it's more than a mission—it's a commitment to ensuring that opportunities are accessible and equitable for everyone, regardless of race, nationality, or sexual orientation. This ethos is deeply rooted in the history of electronic music, a genre born from diversity and shaped by the courage of marginalized communities. As we continue to honor this legacy, we remain dedicated to amplifying voices, celebrating inclusion, and pushing the boundaries of what the music world can achieve together.
If you want to read the Code of Conduct, click here:
https://equitrack.blim.org.uk/anti-racist-code-of-conduct
And if you want to learn more about the "Being Black in the Music Industry" survey, just follow this link:
