How black artists are breaking country music’s color barrier

When Nashville breakout Mickey Guyton gave a powerful performance of “Black Like Me” at the Grammys last month, it was a statement moment for her and all of the other African-American artists who are stomping across country music’s color lines.

No doubt — black artists such as Guyton, Kane Brown, Jimmie Allen and Nashville veteran Darius Rucker are leading a diversity movement in the traditionally white country-music industry. Look no further than the genre’s two biggest awards shows: After Rucker became only the second black artist to ever co-host the CMAs in November, Guyton will be the first African-American woman to co-host the Academy of Country Music Awards — with Keith Urban — on Sunday. On top of that, the ACMs will feature a record five black acts performing. Guyton, Brown and Allen will all take the stage, as well as Americana duo the War and Treaty, while gospel star CeCe Winans will join Carrie Underwood for a special duet.