What other way to bring in Black Music Month (June) than taking the time to honor those who have used their platform to make an impact on black culture and it’s music.
The Black Music and Entertainment Walk of Fame is coordinated by the Black American Music Association and the Georgia Entertainment Caucus which will will be set up outside of the Mercedes Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta.
Out of the list of 38 nominees, the 12 inductees were all recently announced.
Some of the greatest names in music will be recognized for their efforts. Michael Jackson will be inducted as the class’ Legacy Artist, James Brown, Otis Redding, Quincy Jones and Stevie Wonder will be honored as this year’s Foundational Inductees and Diddy will be honored as Mainstream Mogul.
Other names in music such as Beyoncé will also be honored as Queen B is nominated for Mainstream Female musician and Usher as the Mainstream Male artist. As influential as Black Music is, it’s only right to include the Hip- Hip Hop Category! Missy Elliott will enter the class as the inductee in the category of Hip Hop Female, Outkast in the Hip Hop Male category.
Shirley Caesar and Kirk Franklin will also be commemorated for their contributions to gospel music.
“As one of the founding members of The Black Music and Entertainment Walk of Fame and Co-Chair of The Georgia Entertainment Caucus, I am extremely proud to reveal our inaugural class of inductees. Our first round of inductees includes many of my colleagues, and I am excited to celebrate their vast contributions to the preservation of Black Music and Entertainment,” said Black American Music Association Founder Catherine Brewton.
“It gives me so much honor and respect to help escort the Black Music and Entertainment Walk of Fame into existence and Global awareness,” added cofounder Michael Mauldin. ”Our mission is to preserve, protect and promote the legacy & future of culture, community, entertainment and the Black American Music Art-form.”
The induction ceremony is set to take place on June 17 in Atlanta, Georgia.