Alicia Keys Cements Her Advocacy with a New Art Collection
Musical icon Alicia Keys underscored her advocacy for the rights of Black people through an exhibition of her private art collection at the Brooklyn Museum.
By Patricia Lanzagarita
Photos courtesy of Alicia Keys, Brooklyn Museum and Derrick Adams
December 7, 2023
Ever since the internet was shaken by the deaths and injustices against people of color, activists—especially Black organizers—have made several efforts to fight against racism. Among all of these campaigns, the most prominent one is the Black Lives Matter Movement.
The movement grew rapidly and internationally following the death of George Floyd at the hands of the police. This incident sparked worldwide demonstrations among activists, advocates, athletes, and even celebrities—such as the musical icon Alicia Keys.
Alicia Keys’ Advocacy
Alicia has always been vocal in her advocacy for the rights of Black people; it is visible in how she initially supported the Black Lives Matter movement. As a Black woman herself, she uses music as her platform to speak about injustices, racism, and inequality.
During the height of the campaign, Keys created an emotional song titled ‘Perfect Way to Die’ as a tribute to those who died because of racism and police brutality. She vocally condemned the killings of people of color, including Breonna Taylor and George Floyd.
Consequently, Alicia also sang the song ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing,' referred to as the Black national anthem, at the NFL kickoff to show her and the players’ solidarity in the movement. She indeed uses her platform to be the bigger voice of the unheard. As a musician, she speaks to people using her music and delivers messages that can reach many on an emotional level.
Her Hopes for the Future Generation
Alicia’s message for the future generation is clear: to speak up against racial issues. She urges parents and children to explain why fighting against racism is important. Thus, Keys once hosted the Black Lives Matter Nickelodeon special, providing anti-racism resources to families and kids. Her family, especially her husband, Swizz Beatz, supports her advocacy, cementing his support by creating music tributes to the movement.
Amidst the peak of the campaign, she also wrote an emotional letter for her son, expressing hope that his ability to say no to things he doesn’t want won’t vanish as he grows up.
Her commitment to urging individuals, even children, to speak up and hold people accountable for offensive comments about people of color embodies her dedication to ending this social issue.
Her Present Efforts
Alicia and Swizz, as active advocates for the Black Lives Matter campaign, founded The Dean Collection in 2014 to champion the philosophy of “Black artists supporting Black artists.” This is one of their ways to signify their ability to be vocal about their ideals and opinions about racism and the rights of Black people.
With this in hand, the couple will showcase their private art collection at the exhibition Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys at the Brooklyn Museum from February 10 to July 7, 2024.
The art exhibition will feature the works of 40 Black artists, such as Gordon Parks, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Lorna Simpson, Kehinde Wiley, Nina Chanel Abney, Derrick Adams, Arthur Jafa, Meleko Mokgosi, and more. Giants will be divided into three sections: first, “On the Shoulder of Giants,” which will showcase the works of influential Black people and artists. Second, “Giant Conversations,” which will embody Black social issues. Third, “Giant Presence” that will display monumental contemporary works.
Alicia and Swizz have proven their sincere mission to champion Black artists not only in the music industry but also in the art world. The Dean Collection became one of their platforms to support art and the fight against racism against people of color.
Aside from music, the art world has become Alicia’s new and current way of celebrating blackness and stressing the importance of her advocacy to end racial issues.
