I see your point about the number of Black artists in the Rock Hall, but I don’t think that precludes racial politics factoring into the way Black artists are considered vs. how White artists are considered. It’s similar to how having a Black US president demonstrated a certain level of progress, but it didn’t mean the race card had been cancelled.

Sadly, I think race will always be a factor in pretty much everything in the US. When Gene Simmons had his rant about Iron Maiden and Rage Against the Machine not getting in and he talked about all the non-rock that gets in, it was very telling that he singled out rap and NWA. Race is always a factor, and with the Rock Hall, despite the number of Black acts that have gotten in, there will always be certain considerations and criticism that will apply to Black acts that won’t apply to White acts.

Like you, I suspect Chaka will get her due eventually, though, they probably will be more comfortable inducting her as part of Rufus than on her own.