The Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) Gala, held on September 19, 2024, at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, was a night filled with emotion, recognition, and celebration of the contributions of influential Black artists. The event was particularly special for Usher, who was presented with the Quincy Jones Humanitarian Award by one of his childhood heroes, Bobby Brown. In a moment that symbolized the interconnectedness of artists across generations, Usher paid homage to the figures who shaped his identity as a man and entertainer.
Usher’s Emotional Speech: A Journey of Inspiration
Usher’s acceptance of the Quincy Jones Humanitarian Award was more than just a formality—it was a deeply personal and reflective moment for the multi-talented artist. He used the platform to share a powerful narrative about his childhood, recounting how his unique name, “Usher,” became a symbol of strength and self-discovery, despite the absence of the man who gave it to him.
“As a kid, I was given this very odd, awkward name — because I never met another Usher,” the singer shared. He reflected on how difficult it was to bear a name with no clear meaning or guidance from his father, who was absent from his life. However, through the influence of role models like Bobby Brown, Usher began to find his identity and purpose.
In a full-circle moment, Usher recalled saving up money as a young boy to buy a Bobby Brown cassette tape. At the time, his mother questioned the purchase, but Usher explained that, in his mind, it was an investment in his future: “If I can be more like Bobby Brown, maybe I can define what this name ‘Usher’ means.”
Bobby Brown’s Role in Usher’s Life
Bobby Brown, often referred to as the “King of R&B,” has had a profound impact on Usher’s career. Brown presented Usher with the Quincy Jones Humanitarian Award in a symbolic exchange that highlighted their personal connection. Usher recounted his first meeting with Brown when he was only 12 or 13 years old, marking the beginning of a mentorship that has deeply influenced his artistry and self-understanding.
“He knew me before all of you knew me,” Usher said, acknowledging the pivotal role Brown played in his development. Through his acceptance speech, Usher encouraged the audience to invest in the dreams of young people, particularly those who may feel lost or misunderstood, much like he did as a child. He highlighted the importance of belief, saying, “There may be a kid with an odd name that just needs somebody to pour into them, that needs somebody to believe in them, that needs somebody to encourage them to be able to find their way to their passion.”
A Night of Honors and Tributes: Celebrating Black Excellence
The BMAC Gala was a platform not only for honoring Usher but also for celebrating several other prominent figures in Black music and culture. Hosted by media personality Kenny Burns, the evening kicked off with a musical tribute by DJ Mars, honoring recently deceased Black artists such as Fatman Scoop, Tito Jackson, and Rich Homie Quan.
Anthony Hamilton and The Ton3s performed a moving tribute to Frankie Beverly of the funk band Maze, who passed away on September 10, 2024. The evening’s performances continued with BJ the Chicago Kid singing the Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” setting a tone of pride and reflection for the night.
Usher’s Generous Contributions to the Auction
During the event’s auction, Usher once again made headlines by becoming the evening’s highest bidder. He spent $7,000 on a signed synthesizer from legendary producer Jimmy Jam and shelled out an additional $30,000 for the iconic yellow sunglasses worn by James Brown during his infamous CNN interview in 1988. In a lively bidding war, Flava Flav also contributed to the fundraising efforts by auctioning off his diamond clock watch for $15,000, adding to the excitement of the night.
Honoring Changemakers: Ivy McGregor, Live Nation, and BET Executives
In addition to Usher, the BMAC Gala recognized other trailblazers who have made a significant impact on Black culture and social change. Live Nation was the recipient of the BMAC 365 Award for its ongoing commitment to supporting Black music and artists. Ivy McGregor, the executive director of BeyGood, was presented with the BMAC Change Agent Award, acknowledging her leadership in philanthropic efforts spearheaded by Beyoncé‘s initiative.
The gala also highlighted the philanthropic contributions of rapper Gunna, who was honored for his BMAC 30349 Guaranteed Income Program, which provides $1,000 monthly stipends to families in South Fulton, Georgia. His commitment to his hometown underscores the broader theme of the event: the importance of giving back to one’s community.
Furthermore, the executive team at BET Media Group, including Scott Mills (president and CEO), Louis Carr (president of media sales), Constance Orlando (executive vice president of specials and music programming), and Kimberly Paige (executive vice president and CMO), was awarded the BMAC Social Impact Award. These individuals were recognized for their significant contributions to media representation and their efforts to amplify Black voices.
LL Cool J: Honoring a Trailblazer
Another major honoree of the night was LL Cool J, who received the Clarence Avant Trailblazer Award. The award was presented by civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump, who praised LL Cool J’s influence on culture, both in music and beyond. Crump shared a poignant story of their first meeting, where LL Cool J expressed how much Crump’s work impacted him, but Crump turned the tables, telling the audience how LL Cool J’s own career had a profound effect on Black culture.
LL Cool J, known for his longevity in the entertainment industry, reflected on his 40-year career during his acceptance speech. He touched on the challenge of maintaining relevance in an industry that often views older artists as disposable, particularly in hip-hop. “I just feel like I was tired of people feeling like hip-hop culture in general and our music as a whole is disposable,” LL Cool J remarked. His message was clear: authenticity and perseverance are key to achieving lasting success.
He emphasized that artists don’t need to conform to trends or compromise their identity to maintain success, urging the audience to “continue to believe in the beauty of your dreams. You don’t have to shuck and jive and become somebody different to get where you’re trying to get. Be you. People will respect you a lot more if you’re yourself.”
A Night of Unity and Inspiration
The 2024 BMAC Gala was more than just an awards show—it was a celebration of Black excellence, resilience, and community. The event highlighted the critical role of music and culture in shaping the identities of future generations while honoring those who have paved the way.
From Usher’s heartfelt speech about the power of mentorship and belief to LL Cool J’s reflections on longevity in an ever-evolving industry, the night was filled with moments of inspiration. The Black Music Action Coalition continues to be a powerful force for social change, using its platform to advocate for fairness and equity in the music industry and beyond.
Through the recognition of artists and leaders who are making a difference, the BMAC Gala stands as a reminder that representation matters—and that the impact of these artists extends far beyond the stage.
