What does 'Antebellum' mean?

According to Merriam-Webster, the word means "existing before a war" and "especially: existing before the American Civil War." The early 1800's was a time where slavery was rampant in America. During the age of the Missouri Compromise, pro and anti slavery debates were going on across the nation in terms of how to divide the new territories into free and slave states. In their statement, the group mentions how their name was originally chosen, saying:

"When we set out together almost 14 years ago, we named our band after the southern 'antebellum' style home where we took our first photos. As musicians, it reminded us of all the music born in the south that influenced us...southern rock, Blues, R&B, Gospel, and of course Country. But we are regretful and embarrassed to say that we did not take into the account the associations that weigh down this word referring to the period of history before the Civil War, which includes slavery."

Taking The Next Step

The band posted their statement on Instagram and Twitter. They have also changed their website name from "ladyantebellum.com" to "ladyamusic.com." In their statement, they also announced that their next steps in fighting racial injustices and will be donating to the Equal Justice Initiative.

Fans Respond

Lady Antebellum: we're changing our name!!!

everybody else: Awesome. To what? Lady Equality? Lady BLM?

Lady Antebellum: Lady A!

Everybody else: What's the A stand for?

Lady A. : Antebellum

Everybody else: ... wut?

— James Pierce (@jamesfpierce) June 11, 2020

Some think that the change is not significant enough

.@Redskins literally look how easy it is.

— kate rodham (@km_scannell) June 11, 2020

One fan responds to the statement Tweeting at the Washington Redskins, suggesting that the football team also change their name.

Lady Antebellum changing their name to Lady A just makes it easier to find their songs in karaoke, why are you upset???

— Joshua Rivera (@TomNooksDebt) June 11, 2020