UPDATE: The Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) has just announced its star-studded lineup of honorees for the upcoming 2025 BMAC Gala, set to take place on September 18, 2025, at the iconic Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles. This marks BMAC’s fifth annual celebration of music, culture, and social impact, and it promises to be a powerful rallying point for justice and equity in the music industry.
In a significant recognition of their contributions, John Legend will receive the prestigious BMAC Quincy Jones Humanitarian Award, while music industry titan Irving Azoff is set to be honored with the BMAC Icon Award. Other notable honorees include Kai Cenat and Apple & Apple Music, who will be presented with the BMAC Social Impact Award, and Sherrese Clarke along with HarbourView Equity Partners, who will accept the inaugural BMAC Harry Belafonte Change Agent Award. Primary Wave Music will also be recognized with the BMAC 365 Award.
BMAC co-founders Willie “Prophet” Stiggers emphasized the urgency of this year’s gala, stating, “This year’s honorees are not just innovators and changemakers; they are warriors for justice and visionaries of a future we refuse to stop fighting for.” As the organization celebrates five years of impactful work, Stiggers highlighted the ongoing mission: “The movement is alive, the mission is urgent, and history is watching.”
Since its inception in June 2020, BMAC has made significant strides, distributing over $4 million in direct economic relief and reaching more than 5,500 students. The organization has also mentored over 500 emerging music artists and created more than 200 paid internships in the industry. BMAC’s partnership initiatives with prominent organizations like the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Live Nation have further propelled its mission to empower underrepresented voices in music.
In a heartfelt statement, Legend expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying, “It’s an honor to be recognized by the Black Music Action Coalition, an organization that not only uplifts artists but fights for justice, equity, and lasting change in our industry and beyond.” He added, “Receiving an award bearing my friend and mentor Quincy Jones’s name is deeply humbling.”
As the gala approaches, anticipation builds for a night that promises not just to celebrate achievements but to further ignite a movement for change within the music industry and beyond. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
