BMAC Announces Lineup for 2024 Gala: Usher, LL COOL J, and More Honored for Advancing Racial Equity

The Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) has revealed an extraordinary lineup of honorees for its 2024 Gala, set to take place on September 19th at the iconic Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles. The event, now in its fourth year, is a beacon of recognition for those who have made significant contributions to racial justice and social equality within the music industry and beyond.

Photo byImage via BMAC

Hosted by entertainment personality Kenny Burns, the BMAC Gala will honor a diverse group of artists, executives, and organizations who have used their platforms to champion causes that impact Black communities globally. According to a press release, this year’s honorees include some of the most influential figures in music and media:

• LL Cool J will receive the Clarence Avant Trailblazer Award, recognizing his pioneering contributions to the music industry and his enduring impact on hip-hop culture.
• Usher will be honored with the Quincy Jones Humanitarian Award for his dedication to philanthropy and his efforts in supporting racial equality through his art and influence.
• BET Media Group executives—Scott Mills, Louis Carr, Constance Orlando, and Kimberly Paige—will collectively receive the BMAC Social Impact Award for their leadership in promoting Black culture and narratives through media.
• Ivy McGregor, Executive Director of BeyGOOD, will be presented with the BMAC Change Agent Award for her impactful work in driving social change and empowering underserved communities.
• Live Nation will be honored with the BMAC 365 Award for its continuous efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the entertainment industry.

BMAC Co-Founder, President, and CEO Willie “Prophet” Stiggers expressed his excitement about the event, stating in a press release, “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. 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.”

The BMAC Gala is not only a night of celebration but also a reflection of the Coalition's ongoing efforts to create systemic change within the music industry. Since its inception in 2020, BMAC has been at the forefront of advocating for racial equity and economic justice. The organization has spearheaded initiatives such as guaranteed income and mentorship programs for Black creatives, policy advocacy like the CREATE Act and RAP Act, and co-convened the first-ever congressional briefing on racial equity legislation in the music industry.

Timed with the Gala, BMAC will release the third edition of its highly-anticipated Music Industry Action Report Card, which evaluates the progress of the music industry in promoting racial justice and elevating Black voices.

Past honorees at the BMAC Gala have included notable figures like H.E.R., Lil Baby, Lizzo, The Weeknd, and Congresswoman Maxine Waters, among others. This year’s event promises to be equally impactful, with the addition of BMAC’s inaugural auction in partnership with Julien’s Auctions, the premier celebrity auction house, adding a new and exciting dimension to the evening.