Radmilla Cody facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Radmilla A. Cody
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Radmilla Cody sings The Star-Spangled Banner in Navajo at the Kennedy Space Center, Florida (2002)
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| Born | 1975 |
| Nationality | Navajo1 (Tłʼááshchíʼí nilǫ́ǫ Naakaii Łizhiní yáshchíín) |
| Citizenship | Navajo Nation and United States |
| Known for | Miss Navajo Nation, Traditional singer, Anti-domestic violence activist |
| Title | 46th Miss Navajo Nation |
| Term | 1997–1998 |
| Predecessor | Josephine Ann Tracy |
| Successor | Sevaleah Begay Tsosie |
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1. As a matrilineal society, the Navajo Nation does not consider one's paternal lineage for questions of traditional membership.
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Radmilla A. Cody (born 1975) is a Navajo model, singer, and activist. She was the 46th Miss Navajo from 1997 to 1998. Radmilla was the first Miss Navajo who was biracial. This means she had heritage from two different groups. She is partly of African-American heritage.
Contents
Early Life and Growing Up
Radmilla Cody was born into the Tłʼááshchíʼí clan of the Navajo Nation. Her father is African-American. She grew up in the countryside of the Navajo Nation. Her maternal grandmother raised her. Radmilla learned to speak the Navajo language at home.
She once shared a story about her grandmother. Her grandmother would get upset if Radmilla spoke English. She said English sounded like "walla walla walla." Radmilla's daily tasks included herding sheep. She also learned to weave. This quiet time helped her practice singing. Her first audience was the sheep! She also learned to love the sounds of nature. Her grandmother became a Christian. So, Christian choirs visiting the local church also influenced Radmilla's music.
Radmilla Cody's Career
In 1997, Radmilla Cody entered the Miss Navajo contest. She won the competition. This contest is special because it focuses on knowledge of Navajo traditions. It also requires being fluent in the Navajo language. It is not like Western beauty pageants. After her time as Miss Navajo, she started a career as a singer.
Music and Albums
Radmilla Cody's songs blend traditional Navajo music. Some songs also use lyrics written by her uncle, Herman Cody. Her first album was called Within the Four Directions. It came out in 2000. This album includes the Navajo version of The Star-Spangled Banner. The Navajo title is "Dah Naatʼaʼí Sǫʼ bił Sinil."
In 2002, she won the Native American Music Award for Best Female Artist. This was for her album Seed of Life. She later released Spirit of a Woman in 2005. Precious Friends followed in 2007. Her album Shi Keyeh or Songs for the People was released in 2011. This album was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2012.
Special Performances
In 2002, Radmilla Cody sang the Navajo version of The Star-Spangled Banner. She performed at the Kennedy Space Center. This was a special event. John Herrington was there. He became the first enrolled member of a Native American nation to fly into space.
Radmilla Cody's Albums
- Within the Four Directions (2000)
- Seed of Life (2002) - Won 2002 Native American Music Awards Best Female Artist
- Spirit of a Woman (2005)
- Precious Friends (2007)
- Shi Keyah: Songs for the People (2011)
Images for kids
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Radmilla Cody sings The Star-Spangled Banner in Navajo at the Kennedy Space Center, Florida (2002)
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Radmilla Cody signing autographs at the Navajo Arts and Crafts Enterprise in Window Rock, Arizona.
See Also
In Spanish: Radmilla Cody para niños
