There was a lot of criticism that came in that moment and I didn’t care. “As an African native Black American you should know your independence day. As such, some took offense to the shirt Usher wore which was designed by Pyer Moss fashion designer and creator Kerby-Jean Raymond.
This year, Juneteenth was declared a national holiday, but six years ago there wasn’t as much awareness of the significance of the date. “We have native Black American culture so we deserve independence.” For us as African Americans, or either native Black Americans - because here’s where we are, here’s where we landed, here’s what we built up - we deserve to have that day recognized as a national holiday,” Usher says when asked about that moment. “Independence is something that has been declared by this country and it actually gives us the confidence to move forward. But there’s a larger message Usher sends audiences when he incorporates moves typically seen at the city’s Black-owned skating rink Cascade into the show or the Magic City-esque tricks strippers perform alongside him as he sings “ Bad Girl.” He wants fans to understand Black Americans have their own unique culture and, further, that independence can be a part of that narrative.Īs far back as 2015, Usher began speaking out in support of Juneteenth, wearing a t-shirt during his performance at ESSENCEFest in which the date July 4 was struck out and Juneteenth was written beneath it.
I brought a lot of Atlanta culture in here.”Īs a native of the Georgia capital, it’s a natural integration. “I had the opportunity to try some things I hadn’t tried before,” Usher says. (Photo by Denise Truscello/Getty Images for Caesars Entertainment)įor three nights a week throughout July and August (with additional shows dates after Christmas and into the new year), Usher and his band of dancers deliver non-stop energy as they perform the greatest hits from the 42-year-old’s career, some with a twist. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 16: Usher performs at the grand opening of “USHER The Las Vegas Residency” at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on Jin Las Vegas, Nevada.
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