Navajo Recording Artist and Anti-Domestic Violence Advocate Wins Crystal Microphone Award

Native News Network Staff in Entertainment. Discussion »

Radmilla Cody - Navajo

NEW YORK - Every February "Initiative Radio with Angela McKenzie" observes Black History Month, with the month long "Salute to Black History Makers" series and the presentation of the Initiative Radio Black History Makers Award. The award is granted to a noteworthy person whose life journey represents black history in the making.

This year, Radmilla Cody takes home the honor for having survived harsh racial discrimination since early childhood, to become a leading voice for the Navajo Nation, for women who are dealing with domestic violence on Navajo and for raising awareness of the existence of Black Native Indians in our society.

In 1997 Cody became the 46th Miss Navajo Nation and was the first and is thus far the only Miss Navajo Nation who is part black. Winning the crown was a bittersweet victory for Cody because Navajo purists believed that being part black disqualified her from being a legitimate ambassador for the Navajo people. - This regardless of the fact that Navajo is her native tongue and she is exceptionally skilled in the traditional practices of her tribe.

Hearing Radmilla Film Trailor

Cody has overcome this type of discrimination and other personal obstacles along the way to achieve many more victories, including the recent release of her fifth album entitled "Shi Keyah" through Canyon Records and being the subject of the biopic "Hearing Radmilla" that's currently enjoying an international audience via the film festival circuit. Cody consistently cites her grandmother Dorothy Cody as the guiding force in her life because of her unconditional love for her mixed-race granddaughter, despite familial pressure and criticism from the greater community.

Listen to Angela McKenzie's in depth interview with Radmilla Cody.

To learn more about her music, tour schedule and other activities visit RadmillaCody.net

posted February 18, 2012 10:50 am est