Patti LaBelle, Common, Public Enemy and label executives Nicole Wyskoarko and Tina Davis were among honorees at the Black Music Action Coalition’s sixth annual BMAC Gala on September 24, 2026, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California.
The fundraiser, presented by Live Nation and hosted by radio personality Kenny Burns, centered on themes of pride, perseverance and purpose. BMAC co-founder and president/CEO Willie “Prophet” Stiggers said in opening remarks: “Black music has always been more than music. It has been how we told our story when others tried to write it for us.”
Award recipients included:
- Nicole Wyskoarko, Interscope Geffen A&M president/head of urban A&R, received the BMAC Sylvia Rhone Visionary Award
- Common received the BMAC Harry Belafonte Change Agent Award, presented by his mother, Dr. Mahlia Hines
- Patti LaBelle received the BMAC Icon Award, presented by director Lee Daniels
- Public Enemy received the BMAC Social Impact Award, presented by rapper Big Daddy Kane
- Tina Davis, EMPIRE president, received the BMAC Clarence Avant Trailblazer Award
Upon accepting his award, Common reflected on guidance from Harry Belafonte: “He showed me that having a rebellious heart to speak up, to stand up … and putting yourself in harm’s way to stand up for millions before you is God at work.”
Chuck D and Flavor Flav accepted Public Enemy’s award with a standing ovation, leading the audience in a “Fight the Power” chant. LaBelle also received a plaque from the RIAA and BMAC saluting her career, plus a musical tribute featuring Chanté Moore and Le’Andria Johnson performing her classics.
Gala proceeds benefit BMAC’s initiatives including the Music Maker grants, Music Accelerator programs and the BMAC Restore & Rebuild LA Program.
See Patti LaBelle live
Upcoming Patti LaBelle events with tickets available:
- Nov 6, 2026 — The Event At Graton Resort & Casino, Rohnert Park, California · Get tickets
- Nov 7, 2026 — Emerald Queen Casino, Tacoma, Washington · Get tickets
- Nov 13, 2026 — Hard Rock Live Northern Indiana, Gary, Indiana · Get tickets
- Nov 14, 2026 — Genesee Theatre, Waukegan, Illinois · Get tickets
- Nov 15, 2026 — Music Hall Center, Detroit, Michigan · Get tickets
Tickets are sold by GetUrTix. Code GTIX20 takes 20% off the ticket price at checkout — no minimum, no expiry.
Source: Billboard
