It’s no secret that the music industry owes much of its success to Black culture. Heck, if it weren’t for Motown we’d all still be listening white boys in Janzen sweaters.
In an effort to “clean up its own house,” top artist managers, executives, attorneys, producers, and more have come together to form the Black Music Action Coalition, otherwise known as BMAC.
BMAC serves to eradicate racial injustice in the music industry, create financial equality for Black artists and executives, and support other organizations that fight to eliminate inequities in the Black community.
Guided by industry pioneers, the coalition’s top priority is “to meet with each company’s CEO, senior management, and your newly formed foundation boards to mutually develop a plan to address the deeply rooted systemic racism in our industry.”
Some of the biggest names in the music biz are endorsing the call to “put a plan for change in place…within the next 30 days.” Signees of the open letter include indie/alternative pop singer Billie Eilish, long-time heartthrob Justin Bieber, former One Direction member Harry Styles, hip-hop artist and producer Travis Scott, “Old Town Road” singer Lil Nas X, and many more.
In addition to the agenda above, Gail Mitchell from Billboard states, “BMAC wants to have a voice in determining how funds supporting Black community organizations focusing on education, social justice, financial literacy, mental health, and other initiatives are allocated and distributed ‘because so few companies in the music industry are run by Black people. It is essential that the funds are used to benefit the Black community that the music industry has relied upon for so much of its success.’”
Familiar names have partnered up with BMAC, including highly-recognized record executive Scooter Braun and his entertainment company SB Projects, Azoff Company chairman/CEO Irving Azoff, and Lady Gaga’s creative team Haus of Gaga.
BMAC closes the letter by stating, “There is a lot of work for us to do, and we look forward to doing it together.”
Click here to read BMAC’s official letter. You can also find the full list of board members, partners, and signees.
