By Philtrina Farquharson, Contributing Writer
After a successful inaugural year, Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) is back to hosting its second annual gala in Beverly Hills, paying tribute to those who exude Black excellence, from entertainment veterans to political pioneers.
Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) is an organization that was established to address systematic racism within the music business and the broader society. In partnership with #TheShowMustBePaused, the goal is to organize and distribute information to educate and influence culture on matters related to racial justice and equity through policy, philanthropy, and voter education. Their work also involves advocating for Black artists, songwriters, lawyers, and other industry professionals.
On Thursday, September 22 at The Beverly Hilton, BMAC will host its Music in Action Awards Gala. This event is set to honor individuals and organizations who have contributed to bringing positive change and equity within the community.
Thus far the 2022 honorees include:
- Jon “Big Jon” Platt, Chairman and CEO of Sony Music Publishing, with the Clarence Avant Trailblazer Award
- Kevin Liles, Chairman, and CEO of 300 Elektra Entertainment, along with Amazon Music and the Recording Academy will be honored with the BMAC Social Impact Award
- Journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones, attorney and author Brittany K. Barnett, and Cultural Creators’ Joi Brownwill receive the BMAC Change Agent Award
- Rep. Maxine Waters will receive the inaugural BMAC Icon Award
“In the 35 years I have spent in our industry, I have tried to make every decision and every movement intentional with the overarching goal of social justice and equality,” said Kevin Liles, Chairman, and CEO, of 300 Elektra Entertainment. “It is my mission to bring about change so that boardrooms reflect the music that is being released. I am honored and humbled to receive BMAC’s Social Impact Award and am excited to continue the conversation and bring about necessary change in our industry.”
Along with honoring the recipients, the gala will also spotlight upcoming initiatives that have been in the works at BMAC, including the awaited release of the Music industry Action Report Card.
In 2021, the organization launched the initial Music Industry Action Report Card, which is a measure of accountability and a call to action to the music industry. This report gives Black executives, artists, vendors, and stakeholders a voice, visibility, participation, and ownership on par with the revenue generated from Black music and culture.
Beyond the gala, BMAC continues to put Black creatives and industry professionals at the forefront of everything they do. BMAC will also spend time discussing the launch of their Transformational Support program which will guarantee basic income for 40 Black Nashville-based artists, creators, and aspiring managers.
“Activism is a daily decision to stand up for what’s right. That’s in the office or on the stage, in the classroom or in the courtroom, in front of the camera or on the front line, whether writing a column in a magazine or writing a hit song, it’s the willingness to speak the truth to power, unapologetically. Each of our 2022 Music In Action Award honorees embodies this spirit,” said Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, Co-Founder/Co-Chair of Black Music Action Coalition.
In the coming weeks, BMAC is said to announce additional award recipients and participants. For more information and updates on the 2022 Black Music Action Coalition, visit https://www.bmacoalition.org.
