Who is Macy Gray and what did she say about the American flag?
MACY Gray is an American R&B and soul singer best known for her international hit single I Try, off her multi-platinum debut album, On How Life Is. The Grammy Award-winning star has also appeared in films such as Training Day and Sam Raimi's Spider-Man. Gray, 53, was born Natalie Rene McIntyre on September 6, 1967, in Canton, Ohio. The 53-year-old chose the stage name Macy Gray after a childhood bicycle mishap resulted in the star noticing a mailbox of a man with the name. She has released six studio albums, and received five Grammy Award nominations, winning one for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 2001. Macy has three children with ex-husband Tracy Hinds: Aanisah, Mel, and Happy. Per Celebrity Net Worth, Gray has amassed a $12million net worth. Gray last toured in December 2018, when she performed at a number of intimate gigs Stateside. The 53-year-old performed in the infamous West Loop in Chicago on December 28 and 30, 2018. In a published op-ed for Market Watch, Gray called for a redesign of the American flag. In the op-ed, which was published on Juneteenth, Gray wrote: "We dont see it much anymore. However, on the 6th [of January], when the stormers rained on the nations most precious hut, waving Old Glory  the memo was received: the American flag is its replacement.  The Grammy winner went on to address President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and members of Congress directly. 4 In a published op-ed on Market Watch, Gray called for a redesign of the American flag Credit: Getty - Contributor  The American flag has been hijacked as code for a specific belief. God bless those believers, they can have it. Like the Confederate, it is tattered, dated, divisive, and incorrect, she wrote. It no longer represents democracy and freedom. It no longer represents ALL of us. Its not fair to be forced to honor it. Its time for a new flag.  Gray subsequently gave a visual breakdown of our current flag, suggesting that while there have long been 50 stars on it, there should be 52. In her opinion, an extra pair of stars should go to Washington DC and Puerto Rico, which she noted have been lobbying for statehood for decades. Both have been denied, since statehood would allow each territorys elected officials seats in the house. "Assuming D.C. reps would be African-American and Puerto Rican reps would be Hispanic, the ultimate assumption is that these elected officials would be Democratic. That alone is racist.  4 In her opinion piece, Gray included a sketch of the American flag she thinks would better fit the America of today Credit: Getty - Contributor  In her opinion piece, Gray also gave a detailed description of the flag, as she believes it should be. The blue square represents vigilance and perseverance; and the red stripes stand for valor. America is all of those things. So, what if those elements on the flag remained?  In her piece, Gray included a sketch of the American flag she thinks would better fit the America of today. Most Read in TV & Showbiz WOAH KATY Katy Perry stuns in purple swimsuit with fianc Orlando Bloom and daughter Daisy Exclusive 'I'M A SURVIVOR' Kerry Katona talks to Ulrika about abuse, drugs and her 3 failed marriages HOT STUFF Liz Hurley, 56, strips topless as she poses in racy robe for 'staycation' snap 'A HARD DAY' Ashley Cain's girlfriend Safiyya in tears as she spoils star on Father's Day 'hypocrisy' Denise Welch's fury after she's refused ride in ambulance with dad to hospital WHAT A CATCH! I Try (2000)  Why Didn't You Call Me (2000)  Still (2000)  Sweet Baby (2001)  When I see You (2003)  Beauty In The World (2010)