Ciara is set to be honored for her career and accomplishments at the inaugural Black Women In Music Dinner presented by The Connie Orlando Foundation. Described as an evening to pay tribute to the Black Women protecting and preserving the music industry, the event is set for June 3, 2025, at the Audrey Irmas Pavilion in Los Angeles.
Sylvia Rhone, June Ambrose, Phylicia Fant, DJ Kiss, and Flo Ngala will also be recognized for their contributions to music and for shaping popular culture.
The Black Women in Music Dinner will also serve simultaneously as The Connie Orlando Foundation’s first fundraiser focused on supporting breast cancer awareness and research with the goal of empowering women with knowledge, resources, and support. Sherrese Clarke’s HarbourView Equity Partners joined the effort as a founding partner.
Connie Orlando, Executive Vice President, Specials, Music Programming, Music Strategy, and News at BET Networks, attends the 56th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 22, 2025 in Pasadena, California.
Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images for BET
“Black women in music continue to be a transcendent and driving force of creative expression, shaping the musical landscape and enriching diverse cultures worldwide. Their contributions are not just transformative; they are the heartbeat of innovation and culture. It is an immense honor to celebrate the trailblazing careers of Ciara, June Ambrose, Phylicia Fant, Sylvia Rhone, DJ Kiss, and Flo Ngala at our inaugural event,” Orlando detailed in a statement.
“These powerful women come from diverse paths, yet they share a unified commitment to pushing boundaries and sparking meaningful change across the music industry. As we launch this groundbreaking event, I am filled with pride for our honorees, partners, and supporters, and look forward to what will be an unforgettable night.”
“At HarbourView, we are steadfast in our commitment to honoring the transformative power of our voices in music,” added Clarke.
“Our influence extends far beyond the studio and stage, shaping global culture and inspiring innovation in ways that resonate deeply with us all. Through this partnership with The Connie Orlando Foundation at The Black Women In Music Dinner, we celebrate their achievements, acknowledge their excellence, and reaffirm our collective role as stewards of culture, dedicated to preserving and uplifting the voices that define the sound and soul of humanity.”
Read the full details of the awards below and check out the official website for details.
The Black Women in Music Honorees
- Vanguard Award: Sylvia Rhone, a trailblazing music industry veteran and the first Black woman to lead a major label, will receive the Vanguard Award, recognizing her legendary status in the industry and her lasting influence across generations.
- Avant-Garde Award: Ciara, a GRAMMY® Award-winning singer/songwriter, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, will receive the Avant-Garde Award, recognizing her forward-thinking artistry and influence on the future of music and culture.
- Guardian of Vision Award: June Ambrose, an award-winning creative director, costume designer, and entrepreneur, will be honored with the Guardian of Vision Award for her profound impact on shaping and safeguarding the visual narratives of our culture.
- The New Guard Award: Phylicia Fant, a powerhouse music executive, will receive The New Guard Award, celebrating her role as a transformative leader, inspiring future generations and redefining the music industry.
- The Guardian Angel Spotlights: DJ Kiss, media personality, and influencer, and Flo Ngala, editorial photographer and photojournalist, will be honored with The Guardian Angel Spotlights. This recognition celebrates individuals who serve as messengers, protectors, and guides within the music industry, driving both artistic and commercial success.
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