The Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) has revealed the honorees for its 2024 BMAC Gala, set for September 19 at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles. Usher, LL Cool J, Live Nation, and BET will be celebrated for their significant contributions to the music industry, particularly within the Black creative community. Usher will receive the Quincy Jones Humanitarian Award, while LL Cool J will be honored with the Clarence Avant Trailblazer Award. BET executives, including President and CEO Scott Mills, will be recognized with the BMAC Social Impact Award. Additional honorees include Ivy McGregor, Executive Director of Beyonce’s BeyGOOD, who will receive the BMAC Change Agent Award, and Live Nation, which will be presented with the BMAC 365 Award. BMAC is an advocacy coalition dedicated to confronting and dismantling systemic racism in the music industry.
LL Cool J. Image: Monica Schipper for Getty Image.
Hosted by entertainment and lifestyle maven Kenny Burns the annual gala will spotlight artists, executives, and activists who are at the forefront of driving racial equity and social justice.
LL Cool J who recently announced his first album in 14 years, FORCE, reflected on the honor saying, “To be receiving this award from an organization that is making such big moves for racial equity and justice within the music industry is an honor.” LL Cool J continued, “Clarence Avant was a true legend. He and I were both inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame the same year and he was a father figure to me, so it’s a full circle moment and feels truly special.”
“We’re thrilled to celebrate this year’s honorees who have utilized their talents, platforms and resources to create a positive and meaningful impact in social and racial justice globally,” shared Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, BMAC’s co-founder, president and CEO. “This year’s gala comes at a pivotal time for our industry and country. It is more important than ever to recognize these incredible accomplishments and unite the entertainment industry to use our collective voice in inspiring imperative change.”
Jackie Jones, Larry Jenkins-Jr., Flavor Flav, Prophet Stiggers and Ann-Haggart at BMAC Maymester Music Business Accelerator at TSU. Image: Mike Melendy for Black Music Action Coalition.
Founded in June 2020, BMAC prioritizes supporting voices of Black artists, songwriters, producers, managers, agents, executives, lawyers, and other music industry professionals who are innovating and shaping the future of the business. Timed to the gala in September, BMAC will also be releasing the third edition of its highly-anticipated Music Industry Action Report Card, which is a measure of accountability for how the music industry and its leaders have taken action to elevate Black employees and contribute to racial justice initiatives. Past BMAC Gala honorees have included H.E.R., Lil Baby, Lizzo, The Weeknd, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Keke Palmer, Jermaine Dupri, Jon Platt, The Recording Academy and more.
