The Black Music Action Coalition has announced Lizzo and Sylvia Rhone as additional honorees at the 2023 BMAC Gala. Lizzo, an award-winning singer, songwriter and musician, will be presented with the Quincy Jones Humanitarian Award, while Rhone, Epic Records chair and CEO, will be awarded the Clarence Avant Trailblazer Award.
“The Black Music Action Coalition is proud to honor Lizzo and Sylvia Rhone at this year’s Gala, as they join a group of trailblazers who have made immense impact within the music industry and beyond,” said Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, co-founder and chair of BMAC. “We applaud their dedication to pushing boundaries, amplifying Black voices and crashing through those glass ceilings creating space for Black women.”
Lizzo will be honored for her “philanthropic work and commitment to social justice,” announced BMAC, following her continued donations to organizations like Planned Parenthood, Black Girls Smile, Save Our Sisters, the Bail Project and her Annual Juneteenth Giveback.
Rhone, known as the first woman to be named CEO of a Fortune 500-owned record label, will be recognized for her expansive impact on the music business industry. Prior to her role as CEO at Epic, Rhone served as president of Motown Records, EVP of Universal Records and CEO and chair or Elektra Entertainment Group.
Previously announced honorees include Jermaine Dupri, Keke Palmer, Dr. Menna Demessie, Jesse Collins, Jason Flom, Trae tha Truth, Tariq Cherif and Matt Zingler.
The 2023 BMAC Gala will be hosted by Kenny Burns on Sept. 21 at the Beverly Hilton. Prior to the ceremony, BMAC is set to host the BMAC x the Revel Group’s second annual “Black: Future. Now.” brunch on Sept 17.
