The Americana Music Association — “a professional trade organization whose mission is to advocate for the authentic voice of American Roots Music around the world” — will host a panel on August 20 to foster a dialogue about Black representation within the genre and industry at large.

“Black Equity in Americana: A Conversation” will feature Black musicians and professionals within Americana, including Louisiana Red Hot Records General Manager and Head of A&R, Lilli Lewis. Joining her are gothic blues artist Adia Victoria, Muddy Roots Music Festival organizer Jason Galaz, singer/songwriter Kamara Thomas and Reverend Sekou, a musician theologian and activist. Music journalist Marcus K. Dowling will serve as moderator.

According to organizers, this livestream discussion is “a result of one of the most disturbing eras of blatant American racism in a generation” and will be “an honest, restorative dialogue.” The goal of the event is to center the role of Black music within the context of Americana, a centuries-old genre whose Black contributors often go unmentioned or underrepresented. “Given that gospel, blues and soul are intrinsic to Americana as a musical genre, this has too long been a problematic issue and must be remedied,” say organizers.

The panel will cover talking points ranging from implementing systemic change and what sustainable, meaningful impact looks like. The Americana Music Association’s Thriving Roots Conference, which takes place September 16-18, will include a follow-up to the Black Equity in Americana conversation.

The discussion takes place Thursday, August 20 at 3 p.m. CDT and can be streamed on the Facebook page for the Americana Music Association.