On a recent Thursday night, the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills was aglow with the stars and powerhouses of the music industry for the third annual Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) Awards Gala. The ceremony stood as a tribute to individuals making monumental contributions towards diversity, equity, and social change in music and beyond.
The gala commenced with a heartfelt homage to the late Clarence Avant, known widely as “The Black Godfather.” Avant, a long-time advocate for diversity and a member of BMAC’s advisory board, left an indelible impact, echoed throughout the night by speakers and awardees.
In remembrance of Avant, performers including BJ the Chicago Kid, Chanté Moore, and Luke James delivered soulful renditions of Bill Withers’ classics, backed by the 1500 or Nothin’ band. Moore and James also offered a collaborative performance of songs from Avant’s Tabu Records.
Epic Records’ Sylvia Rhone was one of the luminaries honored, receiving the Clarence Avant Trailblazer Award from a surprise guest—her daughter Quinn. A visibly moved Rhone spoke passionately about her commitment to fostering a diverse and creative work environment.
Also celebrated was Jermaine Dupri, the founder of So So Def, marking its 30th anniversary this year. Dupri emphasized his skepticism about the future role of AI in music, urging the industry to preserve the emotional integrity of the art form.
The night was wrapped up with Lizzo receiving the BMAC Quincy Jones Humanitarian Award. Amid recent controversies, the accolade came as a touching affirmation of her philanthropic efforts. Cast members from her Emmy-winning show, Watch Out For The Big Grrrls, presented the award, praising Lizzo’s unflagging support and belief in their talents.
Lizzo moved the audience with her acceptance speech, emphasizing her dedication to spotlighting everyday heroes who work tirelessly to make a difference. She also shared her significant donations to multiple Black-led organizations and pledged to continue to use her platform for change.
Other notable awardees included Keke Palmer, Dr. Menna Demessie, Jesse Collins, Jason Flom, and co-founders of Rolling Loud, Tariq Cherif and Matt Zingler, each celebrated for their impactful work in various spheres.
The event was a production of monumental proportions, hosted by Kenny Burns and presented by Live Nation, Primary Wave, and Jesse Collins Entertainment. The board of BMAC also comprises influential names such as Caron Veazey, Ashaunna Ayars, Naima Cochrane, and others.
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