The Black Music Motion Coalition (BMAC) gathered once more on the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles last night for its fourth annual awards gala, celebrating stars and uplifting the Black community by honoring its most supportive figures. Hosted by entrepreneur and media personality Kenny Burns, the evening kicked off with DJ Mars spinning tracks in tribute to a few Black artists who recently passed: Fatman Scoop, Tito Jackson, and Wealthy Homie Quan.
Here’s every thing you have to know concerning the event.
What Is the BMAC?
Every year, the BMAC gathers outstanding figures within the music industry to honor artists and professionals who use their platforms for positive change. Established in 2020, the BMAC seeks to create a unified force for racial equity and justice inside the music industry. By leveraging collective voices, BMAC goals to enhance communities and drive systemic change, in line with its website.
Presented by Live Nation, the BMAC Gala highlighted the organization’s mentorship and income programs, continuing its mission to enact meaningful change each inside the industry and beyond.
Who Were the 2024 Honorees?
Usher was present to simply accept the Quincy Jones Humanitarian Award at the top of the evening, with Bobby Brown presenting the consideration. “After I was asked to present Usher with this incredible award, I didn’t hesitate,” Brown remarked. “He has impacted each the stage and the lives of so many around the globe. I’ve known Usher for a very long time, and he’s definitely deserving of this award.”
While on his Past Future Present tour, Usher expressed gratitude to those that have supported his profession and emphasized the importance of using one’s platform for positive change. “Whatever opportunity I actually have to shed light, to represent growth that might help others—what’s a dream without motion? What’s knowledge without motion? God’s word says in James 2:17, faith without motion is dead.”
Attorney Benjamin Crump presented the Clarence Avant Trailblazer Award to LL Cool J, who recently released his album The Force. LL Cool J shared his motivation for creating latest music, saying, “I wanted to indicate future generations that our culture just isn’t disposable. I just desired to empower young kids and show them what’s possible.”
Other honorees included:
- BMAC Social Impact Award: Scott Mills, Louis Carr, Constance Orlando, and Kimberly Paige from BET Media Group
- BMAC Change Agent Award: Ivy McGregor, Executive Director of BeyGOOD
- BMAC 365 Award: Live Nation
Gunna received a commemoration for the “BMAC 30349 Guaranteed Income Program,” providing 30 families in South Fulton, GA, with $1,000 stipends.
“I’m from South Fulton, the Blackest city in America,” the Atlanta rapper said. “With Gunna’s Great Giveaway in 2018, I wanted to provide back to my community. Over time, we’ve been pushing, and I’m going to maintain pushing to uplift my community.”
