My favorite country group is making a big change.
Just recently the band has revealed that it will be changing its name. In fact, it is going to start calling themselves simply, " Lady A."
The band has gone by "Lady Antebellum" since they were formed back in 2006 and has decided to drop "Antebellum" from their name in favor of one that most of their fans call and know them for.
"When we set out together almost 14 years ago, we named our band after the southern 'antebellum' style home where we took our first photos. As musicians, it reminded us of all the music born in the south that influenced us...southern rock, blues, R&B, gospel and of course country," the band said. "But we are regretful and embarrassed to say that we did not take into account the associations that weigh down this word referring to the period of history before the civil war, which includes slavery."
The group, which is comprised of Hillary Scott, Dave Haywood, and Charles Kelley, added that they are deeply sorry for the hurt this has caused and for anyone who has felt "unsafe, unseen, or unvalued."
"Causing pain was never our hearts' intention, but it doesn't change the fact that indeed, it did just that," they wrote. "So today, we speak up and make a change. We hope you will dig in and join us." They said that the change comes after a period of personal reflection, band discussion, prayer, and lots of honest conversations with some of their closest black friends and colleagues.
"We've watched and listened more than ever these last few weeks, and our hearts have been stirred with conviction, our eyes opened wide to the injustices, inequality, and biases black women and men have always faced and continue to face every day," they wrote. "Now, blindspots we didn't even know existed have been revealed."
The band vowed that their name change is just the first of many steps they will take in a commitment to "practice antiracism." The trio said that they will continue to educate themselves and have deep and meaningful conversations with people in order to become better people, better neighbors. They've added that their next step will be a donation to the equal justice initiative called LadyAid.
Lady A also feels that if they lead by example with humility, love, and empathy then they can be better allies to those who have suffered or continue to suffer unspoken injustices while at the same time influence their children and the generations to come.