The Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) celebrated its fifth annual gala at the prestigious Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles on September 18, 2025, with a night filled with impactful speeches and heartfelt performances. Presented by Live Nation, the event recognized five influential figures in the music industry: John Legend, who received the BMAC Quincy Jones Humanitarian Award; Irving Azoff, honored with the BMAC Icon Award; Sherrese Clarke from HarbourView Equity Partners, who received the inaugural BMAC Harry Belafonte Change Agent Award; Kai Cenat and Apple/Apple Music, awarded the BMAC Social Impact Award; and Primary Wave Music, which received the BMAC 365 Award.
The evening kicked off with a stirring performance by Grammy-nominated country artist Mickey Guyton, who co-hosted the gala alongside multimedia entertainer Kenny Burns. Guyton’s rendition of “Black Like Me” set a powerful tone for the night, emphasizing the ongoing struggles and achievements within the Black music community.
BMAC CEO and co-founder Willie “Prophet” Stiggers addressed the audience, highlighting the organization’s accomplishments over the past five years while stressing the importance of continuing the fight for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the music industry. “Equity is not charity. It’s smart business,” Stiggers declared, reinforcing the message that the industry must hold itself accountable for making lasting changes.
During the award presentations, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds humorously presented the Quincy Jones Humanitarian Award to John Legend, who spoke passionately about the importance of using one’s platform for social change. “Excellence is beautiful, it’s important, but freedom is more important,” Legend proclaimed, receiving a standing ovation from the audience.
The night was filled with surprises, including performances by members of Earth, Wind & Fire while presenting the Icon Award to Azoff. The gala also featured a poignant tribute to clemency recipient and criminal justice reform advocate Michelle West, further emphasizing the evening’s focus on social justice.
In addition to celebrating individual achievements, the gala highlighted BMAC’s recent initiatives, including the launch of a $500,000 direct relief fund for families affected by the Altadena, California fires. BMAC plans to expand its advocacy efforts globally, targeting the U.K. and Africa in 2026.
Since its inception in June 2020, BMAC has made significant strides, distributing over $4 million in direct economic relief, mentoring more than 500 emerging artists, and establishing over 200 paid internships and job placements.
As the event underscored the ongoing need for advocacy and action within the music industry, attendees left inspired and committed to continuing the work necessary to foster equity and justice.
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