John

The 2025 Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) Gala brought musicians, executives, journalists, and activists together for a common cause. For the fifth annual event, hundreds gathered at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, CA., to recognize the important work done by the organization as well as to fund and empower its future efforts. BMAC was founded in 2020 and, since its inception, has distributed over $4 million in direct economic relief, established over 200 paid internships and job placements, reached more than 5,500 students, and mentored over 500 emerging music artists and industry professionals.

“Many would think that the work and the progress that happened in 2020 was not effective, but it’s actually the complete opposite. The reason why we are feeling this sort of federal attack on diversity and inclusion is because of the impact that was made in 2020. So this is not the time to retreat, but the time to double and triple down on those commitments, and the music industry has always challenged this country and the world to live up to its potential, and so that’s what inspires us,” explained BMAC cofounder and CEO Willie “Prophet” Stiggers on the red carpet ahead of the event.

“BMAC might have formed in 2020, but we come from a long tradition of the entertainment industry being able to be a powerful platform to advance these conversations, and over the next five years, we are going to be as committed as we ever been,” as he continued to relay organization plans to expand its advocacy into global territory.

In all its elegance, the 2025 Gala added John Legend, Irving Azoff, Sherrese Clarke / HarbourView Equity Partners, Kai Cenat and Apple & Apple Music, and Primary Wave Music to its growing list of esteemed honorees in its five-year history. The event kicked off with a four-course dinner and musical selections performed by the 1500 Or Nothing musical ensemble. After a call for donations at the fundraising event, with the largest public commitment being $10,000, host Mickey Guyton took the stage to perform “Black Like Me.”

She was then joined by her co-host, Kenny Burns, who shifted attention to current events with lighthearted quips about Jimmy Kimmel being suspended indefinitely at ABC, accompanied by a brief snippet of YG and Nipsey Hussle’s politically-charged “FDT.” While the event featured first-time introductions, well overdue reunions, dancing, and a performance by Earth, Wind & Fire, all in attendance were united on the mission. Guests included Tyrese, Cash Cobain, Estelle, Eric Benét, and more.

During his time on stage, John Legend shared a passionate speech, bringing Burns’ opening remarks full circle.

“Progress isn’t guaranteed. Power doesn’t give itself away, and truth-telling doesn’t come without a cause. We’re watching it happen in real time. Our government is kidnapping and disappearing our friends and neighbors. People [are] taking their kids to school, serving food in the park. And then they’re flooding our streets with militarized soldiers, war fighters, to silence those who dare to speak out. We’re watching the richest people on earth get richer while our government takes from the poorest children in the world,” remarked the Ohio native as he accepted the BMAC Quincy Jones Humanitarian Award presented by Babyface.

“We’re watching journalists, truth-tellers, get punished for doing their jobs. Just this week, the Washington Post fired a black woman journalist, Karen Attiah, for simply quoting the exact words of the President’s favorite podcaster,” in reference to Charlie Kirk.

He continued, “We are living in a time where truth-telling comes with consequences, a time where progress is reversed, facts are distorted, and those who dare to speak up are punished. But every step forward we’ve ever taken in this country, every single win began with somebody telling the truth,” adding, “That’s what Nina Simone understood in 1963 when she sat down at her piano in a moment of fury and courage. And that’s the tradition I choose to walk in.”

Take a look at the 2025 BMAC Gala below.