BMAC TO HONOR RHONE, LIZZO, MORE AT ANNUAL GALA

The Black Music Action Coalition will honor Epic CEO/Chairwoman Sylvia Rhone, Lizzo and other prominent industry folk at its 2023 gala on 9/21. Presented by Live Nation and hosted by Kenny Burns, the annual event will take place at The Beverly Hilton, where the legendary music exec will receive the Clarence Avant Trailblazer Award. Past recipients include Jon Platt and Ethiopia Habtemariam.

Rhone, who has been Epic's CEO since 2019, was the first woman to be named CEO of a major record label owned by a Fortune 500 company and the first Black woman to attain such a title.

Lizzo, meanwhile, will be honored with the BMAC Quincy Jones Humanitarian Award for her ongoing philanthropic work and commitment to social justice. In addition to trumpeting a message of empowerment, the artist has raised funds for and donated significantly to organizations fighting for legal justice and reproductive freedom.

This year's BMAC Gala honorees also include actor-singer Keke Palmer, So So Def founder Jermaine Dupri, Rolling Loud co-founders Tariq Cherif and Matt Zingler, UMG's Dr. Menna Demessie, Lava for Good founder Jason Flom, rapper Trae Tha Truth and producer Jesse Collins.

"We celebrate the passion, artistry and activism that burns bright in the hearts of our honorees," said BMAC co-founder/Chair Willie "Prophet" Stiggers. "They have fearlessly embraced the power of music and entertainment to drive change and transcend boundaries. With heavy hearts we also pay tribute to the Black Godfather, Clarence Avant. He blazed the trail we all walk on. His impact is immeasurable."

The 2023 BMAC Gala will be produced by Primary Wave and Jesse Collins Entertainment. For more info, head here. For some reason, we still haven't received our invitations.