PHOTOSAlly Brooke Joins Equal Rights Campaign, Creates New Music After Fifth Harmony Split
Oct. 23 2018, Updated 11:34 a.m. ET
Ally Brooke, 25, became an advocate for diversity this month when she joined Partners in Preservation: Main Streets, a public voting campaign created by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in partnership with American Express, that will award $2 million in grants to historic sites on America's Main Streets to promote diversity, equality and inclusion. The Mexican-American "Work From Home" singer — who recently launched her solo career after years with Fifth Harmony — spoke exclusively to OK! About her reason for joining the campaign and gave us an inside look into her fabulous new musical projects. Click through to learn more!
OK!: Why did you decide to participate in American Express' Partners in Preservation: Main Streets campaign?
AB: The campaign shines a spotlight on historic sites in need of preservation that celebrate diversity and the struggle for equal rights. This hits home for me as a Latinx and a person passionate about equality. I want to encourage the public and especially the younger generation to get involved in this issue by voting for the sites in their communities and the places that have meaning to them.
As part of the campaign, Brooke visited the infamous Church of the Epiphany, which served as a safety-hub for Mexican immigrants during the Chicano Rights movement of the 1960s. The star described the experience as having been "really special," especially because she and her family consider themselves part of the immigrant community.
OK!: Being part Mexican, what are your feelings on immigration?
AB: I'm proud of my heritage and thankful to those who came before me, and that's why I want to celebrate diversity with this campaign.
OK!: Has today's political landscape made you more active in this sense? Do you feel a bigger responsibility to stand up for your people/culture?
AB: I've always been passionate about things I care about. I hope I inspire young people that they can have a voice and affect change.
OK!: Does your family embrace your Mexican heritage at home?
AB: Absolutely! I grew up in San Antonio where my culture is deeply celebrated listening to Spanish music and eating the best food and our Mexican traditions. I know how to make some of the food myself as well: tacos, rice beans and enchiladas. I am really proud of my culture.
OK!: What current music are you working on now that you're a solo artist?
AB: I'm preparing for my first solo album, and I'm having so much fun in the studio. I don't want to give too much away, but I can't wait to share this music with the world!
As Radar readers know, Brooke is now working on her own music following Fifth Harmony's heartbreaking split. In the past few months she's spoken candidly about the change, saying she is excited to produce more emotional and meaningful songs now that she's able to call all the shots. While she will never say never to a reunion with the girls, she knows only good can come of her solo career.
Are you excited to hear Ally Brooke's new music? Sound off below.
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