The Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) is pulling out all the stops for the 2024 BMAC Gala, promising a night of glamour, inspiration, and powerful tributes on Thursday, September 19, at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, CA. Hosted by the charismatic entertainment and lifestyle expert Kenny Burns, this annual celebration will shine a spotlight on influential artists, executives, and activists who are making waves in the fight for racial equity and social justice.

This year’s star-studded lineup of honorees includes:

  • Clarence Avant Trailblazer Award: LL COOL J
  • Quincy Jones Humanitarian Award: Usher
  • BMAC Social Impact Award: Scott Mills, Louis Carr, Constance Orlando, and Kimberly Paige of BET Media Group
  • BMAC Change Agent Award: Ivy McGregor, Executive Director of BeyGOOD
  • BMAC 365 Award: Live Nation

“We’re thrilled to honor these extraordinary individuals who have harnessed their talents and platforms to drive positive and meaningful change in the realms of social and racial justice worldwide,” said Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, BMAC’s Co-Founder, President, and CEO. “This year’s Gala comes at a critical juncture for both our industry and our nation. It’s essential to recognize these achievements and unite the entertainment industry to inspire and catalyze change.”

LL COOL J, reflecting on his award, shared, “To be recognized by an organization that’s making such significant strides for racial equity and justice in the music industry is a tremendous honor. Clarence Avant was a legend, and being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame the same year as him, I saw him as a father figure. This award is a full-circle moment for me, and it feels truly special.”

The BMAC Gala is not just a celebration—it’s a movement. Since its founding in 2020, BMAC has been a relentless force for systemic change, advocating for policies that uplift communities and foster economic justice. Their initiatives, such as guaranteed income programs, mentorship opportunities, and groundbreaking reports like “Three Chords and the Actual Truth,” have become beacons of progress in the industry. BMAC has also played a pivotal role in supporting legislation like the CREATE Art Act and RAP ACT, co-convening the first-ever congressional briefing on racial equity legislation, and much more.

In conjunction with the Gala, BMAC will unveil the third edition of its highly-anticipated Music Industry Action Report Card, a vital tool holding the music industry accountable for its commitments to racial justice and the elevation of Black professionals.

Past honorees have included luminaries such as H.E.R., Lil Baby, Lizzo, The Weeknd, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Keke Palmer, Jermaine Dupri, Jon Platt, and The Recording Academy. The 2024 Gala, produced by Donna Grecco for Primary Wave and Rikki Hughes for Magic Lemonade, and presented by Live Nation with support from Variety, promises to be a night to remember. This year’s event will feature BMAC’s inaugural auction in collaboration with Julien’s Auctions, adding an extra layer of excitement to the evening. Guests will also be treated to a gourmet menu curated by James Beard Award nominee Chef Deborah VanTrece of VanTrece Hospitality Group.

The Black Music Action Coalition Board, consisting of Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, Caron Veazey, Ashaunna Ayars, Naima Cochrane, Jamil Davis, Shawn Holiday, Damien Smith, and Courtney Stewart, continues to steer this vital organization toward a future where music and activism intersect to create lasting change.