Lizzo is ready to obtain the Quincy Jones Humanitarian Award at this yr’s Black Music Motion Coalition gala, with the dignity coming because the singer faces a lawsuit from her former dancers accusing her of a poisonous work setting.
Epic Data CEO Sylvia Rhone can also be set to be honored on the occasion with the BMAC Clarence Avant Trailblazer Award, becoming a member of the beforehand introduced Jermaine Dupri in receiving the dignity. Rhone — who turned the primary Black lady to be named CEO of a significant report label owned by a Fortune 500 firm when she took on her position in 2019 — will obtain the award named after the late music govt who served on the BMAC advisory board.
“The Black Music Motion Coalition is proud to honor Lizzo and Sylvia Rhone at this yr’s gala as they be a part of a gaggle of trailblazers who’ve made immense influence inside the music trade and past,” stated BMAC co-founder Willie “Prophet” Stiggers. “We applaud their dedication to pushing boundaries, amplifying Black voices and crashing via these glass ceilings creating house for Black ladies.”
The announcement of Lizzo’s honor comes only a month after the entertainer was sued — alongside her manufacturing firm Large Grrrl Large Touring Inc. and dance workforce captain Shirlene Quigley — by a trio of former dancers who allege that they had been subjected to non secular and racial harassment, incapacity discrimination, assault and false imprisonment. Two days after the criticism was filed, Lizzo posted a prolonged assertion on Instagram denying the allegations. “I’m not right here to be checked out as a sufferer, however I additionally know that I’m not the villain that individuals and the media have portrayed me to be these previous few days,” wrote the Grammy-winning singer. “There may be nothing I take extra severely than the respect we deserve as ladies on this planet.”
This yr’s BMAC gala, recognizing people and organizations who’ve affected optimistic change and helped enhance fairness inside the neighborhood, is ready to happen Sept. 21 at The Beverly Hilton and shall be hosted by leisure and way of life specialist Kenny Burns. Along with Lizzo, Rhone and Dupri, beforehand introduced honorees embrace Keke Palmer, producer Jesse Collins and Common Music Group senior vp and Job Pressure for Significant Change govt director Dr. Menna Demessie, who will share the Social Affect Award; Lava Meda co-founder CEO Jason Flom and rapper-activist Trae tha Fact, who will obtain the Change Agent Award; and Rolling Loud co-founders Tariq Cherif and Matt Zingler, who will obtain the 365 Award.
