BAM TO PRESENT FIRST ICE MEDAL OF HONOR

The Black American Music Association and its board of directors, led by founders Michael Mauldin and Demmette Guidry, will present their inaugural ICE (Imperial Crown of Excellence) Medal of Honor at Atlanta’s Ray Charles Performing Arts Center at Morehouse College on 10/15.

The black-tie soirée, which begins at 7pm ET, will honor “legends, creative visionaries and trailblazers” in Black American music including Alicia Keys, Grandmaster Flash, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, philanthropist Robert Smith, Motown’s Suzanne de Passe and UMG EVP, Business & Legal Affairs Jeff Harleston. There will also be a salute to Michael Jackson.

Moreover, a special acknowledgement of the Otis Redding Foundation, "dedicated to improving the quality of life for community through education and the empowerment of youth" will be made during the ceremony.

Likewise feted will be Dr. Uzee Brown Jr., retiring this year as chair of the Department of Music at Morehouse. A past president of the National Association of Negro Musicians, he is the composer of works that have been performed at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and beyond.

"We are thrilled to launch the ICE Medal of Honor and recognize these outstanding individuals who've made an enduring mark on the world through their art and creativity," said Mauldin. "This celebration is a testament to the power of Black American music to shape culture and inspire generations."