Black Blind Artist Makes History: Elected as GRAMMY New York Board Governor

A new poignant voice in diversity inclusion comes out of the Electronic Dance Music scene. Creative Artist, EDM singer-songwriter, and record producer Lachi is best known for her work bringing disability inclusion and equity discussion to the mass-market music industry. She is known to also go by her full self-description–Lachi She/Her Black Girl Cornrows.

Very public about her experience as a blind recording artist, Lachi made history, being elected as a 2022 Recording Academy New York Chapter Board Governor. In a strong effort to promote diversity, equity and inclusion at the GRAMMYs, the Recording Academy’s new class of electees from Governors to Trustees, consist of more gender and racial diversity than it has seen in past years, as well as those who openly identify as LGBTQ and having a disability.

Lachi, now Founder and President of RAMPD.org, is no stranger to advocating for disability inclusion within the Recording Academy. She served in the New York Chapter GRAMMY Advocacy Committee, where she held national discussions on disability inclusion. Through award-winning coalition RAMPD (Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities), Lachi, Gaelynn Lea and other notable creators with disabilities, worked with the 64th Grammy’s to help make the ceremony more inclusive of disability–with a visible ramp, American Sign Language interpreters, and live captions. RAMPD has gained popularity for its high-visibility work amplifying Disability Culture and will be working with the American Association of Independent Music to help implement accessibility measures at it’s June Libera Awards.

Lachi splits her time serving on the Leadership Council of the NORA Project (disability education), advising on the National Independent Venue Association and Songwriters of North America DEI committees, and consulting with firms and organizations on disability culture and equity, in between music performance sets across the country.

Continuing to meld music with disability justice, Lachi has upcoming appearances ranging from talks at the UN and concerts at Lincoln Center to an in-the-works self-portrait EP “Mad Different” funded by Pop Culture Collaborative and the release of new track and music video “Bad Choices” which explores deaf-blind pro-tactile language over electronic dub-step music at the end of June. Lachi’s recent history holds everything from hosting a PBS’ American Masters segment, to speaking at the Kennedy Center and the White House OPE, to appearing in a Mercedes Benz activation with Alicia Keys, to voicing the Audio Description for Netflix’s documentary on Kanye West.

We asked Lachi her thoughts on her newly elected position on the GRAMMY New York Chapter Board and what this means for the future of diversity in music.

“I’m thrilled to continue my journey at the Recording Academy! The energy comes from the fact that [the position] was not appointed, but elected. Meaning, the people are saying they’re ready for change, growth and a more inclusive music industry. Just getting into the room is not enough. It’s time to get to work! I look forward to joining a diverse group of leaders in service and advocacy for all creators.”

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Tags: Disability, EDM, Grammy, Inclusion, Lachi, New York, RAMPD, Recording Academy

About the Author

Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.