“Five Years of Impact.” That was the celebratory vibe reverberating inside the jam-packed ballroom during the Black Music Action Coalition’s (BMAC) fifth annual gala at Los Angeles’ Beverly Hilton on Thursday evening (Sept. 18). Presented by Live Nation, the dinner/awards ceremony saluted five music industry honorees: John Legend (BMAC Quincy Jones Humanitarian Award), Irving Azoff (BMAC Icon Award), Sherrese Clark of HarbourView Equity Partners (inaugural BMAC Harry Belafonte Change Agent Award), Kai Cenat and Apple/Apple Music (BMAC Social Impact Award) and Primary Wave Music (BMAC 365 Award).

Grammy-nominated country artist Mickey Guyton, who co-hosted the gala alongside multimedia entertainer Kenny Burns, opened the gala with an impactful performance of “Black Like Me.” Then, BMAC CEO/co-founder/president Willie “Prophet” Stiggers set the tone for the evening — celebrating the organization’s accomplishments since its inception five years ago while also emphasizing there’s still more work to be done when it comes to industry diversity, equity and inclusion, social justice and other issues.

“BMAC is in it for the long haul,” said Stiggers. “We don’t just gather to celebrate; we gather to measure progress, to honor the shoulders we stand on, to recommit ourselves to the fight for equity, justice and opportunity within the music business and beyond. We’re building an infrastructure to make sure that change lasts while still pushing our culture forward. We’ve seen corporations make big promises about justice, equity and inclusion … But today, too many of those same corporations have pulled back. They cut budgets, walked away from partnerships, abandoned the very movement they claimed to champion right when the fight got hard.”

Before the award presentations got underway, Stiggers also noted, “Equity is not charity. It’s smart business. Tonight, as we honor those who have used their platforms to drive real social change, let’s recognize this truth: BMAC is no longer just an organization. We are in fact a movement rooted in accountability and action, an unwavering belief that the future of music must be as just and as free and as powerful as the music itself.”

Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds presented the Quincy Jones Humanitarian Award to Legend, drawing audience laughs when he playfully confessed to being jealous of Legend’s EGOT status. Declared Legend from his seat, “You have nothing to be jealous of.”

During his acceptance speech, Legend referenced following in the footsteps of other outspoken humanitarians such as his friend/industry icon Jones and Nina Simone. “Use your voice, use your platform, use your influence to fiercely protect those who are being brave, to shield the truth tellers facing retribution, to make space for more of us because the fight is as urgent as it’s ever been,” he proclaimed to fervent applause and a standing ovation. “Excellence is beautiful, it’s important, but freedom is more important.”

Babyface was just one in a cast of surprise award presenters that included Cee Lo Green (to Primary Wave Music), Amina Diop (Cenat, who accepted via video), the Apollo Theater’s Kamilah Forbes and BET’s Connie Orlando (Clarke) and Nicole Avant (Azoff). Prior to receiving his award, Azoff — and the audience — were treated to another surprise when Earth, Wind & Fire’s Phillip Bailey, Ralph Johnson and Verdine hit the stage to perform two of the group’s classics: “Let’s Groove” and “September.” One of the evening’s most inspirational moments focused on a tribute to clemency recipient and criminal justice reform advocate Michelle West.

BMAC’s fifth gala follows in the wake of its recent announcement of a new $500,000 direct relief fund supporting families impacted by the Altadena, Calif., fires. BMAC also plans to expand its advocacy efforts globally, starting with the U.K. and Africa in 2026.

Since BMAC’s inception in June 2020, Stiggers noted the organization has distributed over $4 million in direct economic relief. And through its various initiatives and grant programs, BMAC has worked with more than 5,500 students, mentored more than 500 emerging music artists and industry professionals, and established more than 200 paid internships and job placements.