Common, Patti LaBelle, and Public Enemy to be Honored at 6th Annual BMAC Gala

Beverly Hills Gathers for the Sixth Annual BMAC Gala

In the heart of the fall awards and gala circuit, the music industry’s most influential artists and executives are preparing to gather in Beverly Hills later this month for the sixth annual Black Music Action Coalition Gala. Presented by Live Nation, the September 24 event at The Beverly Hilton Hotel features comedian and media personality Kenny Burns returning as host, according to event organizers.

The annual gathering has evolved into a major fundraising anchor for the organization since its launch in 2020. Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, Co-Founder, President, and CEO of the Black Music Action Coalition, described the stakes of the evening through official statements released ahead of the program. The BMAC Gala is more than a celebration, it’s a call to action. BMAC brings together some of the most powerful people in music to recognize those leading with purpose and to remind our industry of the responsibility that comes with influence, Stiggers said.

Honoring Icons of R&B, Conscious Hip-Hop, and Social Justice

This year’s honoree slate spans multiple generations of cultural impact and executive leadership. Patti LaBelle will receive the BMAC Icon Award, adding another major milestone to a career spanning over six decades. From her foundational years with Labelle to a towering solo catalog featuring enduring R&B staples such as “If Only You Knew” and “New Attitude,” the Philadelphia native remains one of the genre’s most revered vocalists. Beyond the formal presentation, LaBelle’s presence will extend directly to the dinner tables through a curated menu inspired by Patti’s Good Life, featuring signature recipes and concluding with her popular sweet potato pie.

Rapper and actor Common is slated to receive the Harry Belafonte Change Agent Award. The Chicago-born artist has consistently paired his work in entertainment with sustained civic advocacy, notably through the initiatives of his Common Ground Foundation. Meanwhile, Public Enemy—represented by Chuck D and Flavor Flav—will be recognized with the Social Impact Award. The duo helped establish politically conscious hip-hop as an immovable cultural force during the late 1980s, releasing landmark albums including It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back and Fear of a Black Planet, which continually addressed systemic racism and inequality in America.

Recognizing Industry Architects and New Visionary Awards

The 2026 event introduces the Sylvia Rhone Visionary Award, designed to honor executives who create pathways for artists while shaping the underlying business of music. Nicole Wyskoarko will become the inaugural recipient of the honor. Sylvia Rhone praised the appointment, stating, As Nicole continues to shape the sound, the business, and the future of Black music, I can’t imagine a more deserving first recipient of the BMAC Sylvia Rhone Visionary Award — or anyone better suited to define what this honor will come to represent.

Tina Davis will receive the Clarence Avant Trailblazer Award. Davis has spent decades developing talent, including her tenure at Def Jam Recordings and her work as the founder of Phase Too Management, which includes her longstanding management association with Chris Brown. Additionally, BMAC will recognize five live music executives collectively known as The Team—Lee Anderson, Marty Diamond, Lenore Kinder, Kevin Shivers, and Mallory Smith—with the Founders Award for guiding the touring careers of major artists. Universal Music Group’s Global Impact Team will receive the BMAC 365 Award for overseeing corporate social responsibility, sustainability, and industry access programs since the division’s formation in 2024.

Philanthropic Impact and Community Rebuilding Initiatives

Proceeds raised during the September 24 gala directly bankroll BMAC’s year-round advocacy and community programs. Current initiatives funded by the organization include Music Maker Grants for emerging talent, dedicated music business education programs at Tennessee State University and Clark Atlanta University, and the Gunna x BMAC 30349 Guaranteed Income Program. Funds will also support Restore & Rebuild LA, which provides monthly financial assistance to Altadena residents affected by the Eaton fires.

Production duties for the gala are spearheaded by Rikki Hughes and the Magic Lemonade team, alongside Donna Grecco of Primary Wave and members of BMAC’s board. Musical direction for the evening will be handled by Rance and Dammo of 1500 or Nothin’.

Disclaimer: The views and cultural analyses presented in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only. Information regarding legal disputes or financial data is based on available public records.