Inside The 2023 Black Music Action Coalition Gala
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On Thursday night (Sept. 21) the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) gathered a star-studded audience in Beverly Hills, Calif. to recognize the achievements of music artists, executives, entrepreneurs, and activists who have utilized their platforms to effect social change over the past year.
“We started BMAC in 2020 to hold the music industry accountable for the promises they made to fight systemic racism,” shared the organization’s co-founder and chair Willie “Prophet” Stiggers on the red carpet ahead of the event. “Three years later to have an organization that can celebrate those who are doing that work is extremely exciting.”
Honorees and guests alike wearing sequin gowns and tailored tuxedos prepared to uplift one another throughout the evening as the crowd spilled from the Beverly Hilton hotel lobby into the event space. Inside, a purple and gold decorated ballroom set the tone for an illustrious affair. A 3-course meal of Caesar salad, short ribs, southern greens, and a fruit tart was served as the celebration commenced with networking and fellowship.
Hosted by Kenny Burns, the third annual event attendees included Doechii, Johntá Austin, Bryan-Michael Cox, LL Cool J, Flavor Flav, Doechii, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Ski Mask the Slump God, and more.
The evening commenced with a tribute to the late Clarance Avant, who was a member of BMAC’s Advisory Board. BJ The Chicago Kid, Luke James, and Chanté Moore took the stage with instrumentation provided by 1500 or Nothin’. The soulful homage included the songs “Lovely Day,” and “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers.
As the brisk night continued, heartwarming moments on stage spread smiles and applause across each delicately decorated table. BMAC honorees delivered speeches accepting their awards as family, friends, peers, and mentors expressed gratitude through pre-recorded and live introductions.
“I can’t believe this,” exclaimed Sylvia Rhone as she accepted the Clarence Avant Trailblazer Award following a surprise introduction from her daughter Quinn Rhone, whom she believed was in Florida. “This is so special.”
Jermaine Dupri, Keke Palmer, Dr. Menna Demessie, Jesse Collins, Jason Flom, Trae tha Truth, Tariq Cherif, and Matt Zingler were also among the lauded list of honorees.
“Black Music Action Coalition, y’all really are about that action. Thank you so much for this, because I needed this right now,” expressed the “Good As Hell” singer as she accepted the Quincy Jones Humanitarian Award amid lawsuits and scandal. “God’s timing is always on time!” she said, tearing up. “I didn’t write a speech because I don’t know what to say in times like these.”
Take a look inside the 2023 BMAC Gala below.
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