RECORDING ACADEMY KICKS OFF HBCU LOVE TOUR

In partnership with the Black Music Collective and GRAMMY U, the Recording Academy has kicked off its HBCU Love Tour. Academy boss Harvey Mason Jr., Board of Trustees Chair Tammy Hurt and the aptly named Rico Love, who is Vice-Chair, attended the inaugural event at Howard University. Also on hand were panelists Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis.

Spearheaded by Love, the program educates prospective music-industry professionals at HBCUs about career paths and opportunities in the biz. Through this initiative, the Academy aims to expand its academic footprint, inspire students to pursue a career in music and bolster Black representation at GRAMMY U and in the Academy's membership.

"I'm so proud to have helped bring the HBCU Love Tour to life with its first stop at Howard University," said Love. "As an Academy, it's crucial that we continue to inspire the next generation of music creators and foster a relationship with these students. We hope to not only introduce who we are as an organization but inspire young creators to be the change as future members to create meaningful impact within the music industry."

"The partnership between the BMC and GRAMMY U emulates what the Academy strives to do every day—lift our diverse community of music creators and empower the future leaders that will soon make up our industry," said Recording Academy VP of DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) Ryan Butler.

Pictured above celebrating the launch of the HBCU Love Tour: (l-r) Academy Secretary/Treasurer Om'Mas Keith, Hurt, Jam, Mason, Love, Lewis and Academy Co-President Valeisha Butterfield.

Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty