A voice of hope

Native American artist draws on heritage, tribulation through music

Debra Machemehl

The Signal

Radmilla Cody, a Native American award-winning singer, one of National Public Radio’s Great 50 Voices and an anti-domestic violence activist, will share her story of how she has experienced and overcome racism, domestic violence and personal struggles in her life.

As part of the Native American Heritage Month celebration on campus, the Anthropology department and Office of Intercultural and International Student Services are hosting “An evening with Radmilla Cody” Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. in the Forest Room, located in the Bayou Building.

“The Houston Endowment of the Arts has made it possible for the University of Houston-Clear Lake to bring a stunning artist, who has an amazing story of hope, for our faculty, staff and students to hear,” said Charlotte Haney, anthropology professor.

Cody connects her personal life and Navajo culture through a performance of songs and dialogue as a biracial woman to communicate a positive message for her audience.

“I think attending this event is a wonderful way for our students to get in touch with Native American performing culture, meet the passionate outspoken artist and explore issues of domestic abuse and bicultural identity,” said Eva Jane Terekhova, anthropology program research assistant.

Cody was abandoned by her Navajo mother and African-American father and raised by her Navajo grandmother, Dorothy. She taught Cody aspects of the Navajo culture like weaving and sheep herding. Cody credits her success to her grandmother’s presence in her life. Cody says that at 96 years of age, Dorothy is a strong, spiritual woman.

“She is the rock and salvation of my life,” Cody said. “I am very grateful to have her in my life. She is an amazing woman to be around and I just learned so much from her.”

Dorothy can only speak and understand Navajo – the only form of communication between the two women. Her grandmother reminds Cody that Navajo is her first language and Cody is very mindful of this when she makes public appearances.

Cody’s music merges her Navajo and African-American cultures with her grandmother’s teachings.

“My songs are really my strength, and these songs are part of my foundation spiritually,” Cody said. “It is what gets me through my everyday. Music has a lot of power.”

As a child, Cody not only dealt with racism and bullying from children at school, but also faced racism from family members. Cody persevered with the support and guidance of her grandmother.

After being crowned the first biracial Miss Navajo in 1997 at the age of 21, Cody’s life took a downward turn. She was in an abusive relationship with a man who was involved in drug trafficking. The volatile relationship resulted in charges filed against her and a sentence of 21 months in a federal correctional facility in 2002.

When she was released, Cody had to heal from her experience and involvement in a violent relationship. She did by returning to her Navajo heritage through music and talking about her experiences. She now travels around the world sharing her story and striving to give hope to everyone who listens.

A friend encouraged Cody to go back to school and she graduated last semester with a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations. She is currently taking classes and working on applying to graduate school. Completing her higher education is a personal goal for Cody, but she also wants to be an example for women who are survivors or victims of domestic abuse to see that if she can do it, then so can they.

“It is very important to let other women see the strength that comes from being able to move forward,” Cody said. “Nobody can ever take away your education, no one.”

Cody worked with producer and director Angela Webb on the documentary “Hearing Radmilla,” which examines the difficulties in Cody’s life. The film takes a look at racism and violence toward women while focusing on the Navajo culture and its traditions.

Cody’s message is simple: anyone can make serious mistakes and recover from them, and it is OK to be different. It is a matter of embracing and being proud of whom you are.

“When you can respect other people’s culture and people can respect your culture, it makes life greater and more beautiful,” Cody said.

For more information about this event, contact Professor Charlotte Haney at HaneyC@uhcl.edu.