Patti LaBelle, Common and Public Enemy were among the artists and executives who were celebrated on Thursday night at the sixth annual Black Music Action Coalition Gala, held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles.
Throughout the evening, BMAC and its president/CEO Willie “Prophet” Stiggers recognized key figures in the music industry who have wielded their influence for good while amplifying the goals and accomplishments of the organization. Kenny Burns returned as a host for the sixth year, keeping the night moving while the house band 1500 or Nothin provided tunes.
LaBelle then thanked BMAC and shared how grateful she was to be honored at the age of 82. “I want you to know that music is medicine,” she said. “We all need that medicine, especially now that we’re going through all these trying times. Music is my life, and music will heal us all. And thank God we’re all here and that we all woke up this morning.”
One of the more emotional moments of the evening came when Dr. Mahalia Hines introduced her son, rapper Common, who received the Harry Belafonte Change Agent Award. She commended him for his activism and willingness to perform concerts and hold conversations with incarcerated individuals across the United States.
