The Recording Academy's Black Music Collective (BMC), in partnership with Amazon Music, have selected two Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to each receive a $10,000 donation for musical equipment as part of the organizations' ongoing partnership to provide students at HBCUs the opportunity to learn all facets of the music industry. The donations — first announced with the BMC and Amazon partnership in February — have been awarded to Dillard University and Xavier University of Louisiana. The selected HBCUs were impacted by Hurricane Ida and will utilize the funds to replace students' musical equipment that was damaged or destroyed during the storm.

"Fostering opportunities for aspiring Black music professionals is one of the BMC and Recording Academy's most urgent priorities," Valeisha Butterfield Jones, Co-President of the Recording Academy, said. "Partnering with Amazon Music to award donations for music equipment to music programs on Historically Black College and University campuses affected by Hurricane Ida is the latest action in our commitment to invest in the next generation of Black music leaders. We're honored to offer these scholarships to Dillard University and Xavier University, both of Louisiana, and continue creating pathways for success."

"With this donation, Amazon Music and the Recording Academy are coming together to support the music departments at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, which are vital to developing the next generation of Black musicians," Ryan Redington, Vice President of Amazon Music, said. "Hurricane Ida has made this school year even more challenging for universities across Louisiana, that's why it was so essential for us to step up to support Dillard University and Xavier University and help to replace musical equipment damaged by the storm."

The BMC and Amazon Music partnership has implemented several initiatives in support of aspiring Black music professionals studying at HBCUs. In June, the organizations announced Jawan Davidson (North Carolina Central University), Akeal Evans (Morehouse College) and Nyah Hardmon (Howard University) as recipients of the "Your Future Is Now" scholarship, totaling $10,000 each. The recipients were also offered the opportunity to participate in a two-week immersive rotation program with Amazon Music department leads, providing each student a detailed look at their particular fieldwork at Amazon Music.

The Recording Academy's Black Music Collective is a group of prominent Black music creators and professionals who share the common goal of amplifying Black voices within the Academy and the music community. Learn more about the Black Music Collective.

#TheShowMustBePaused Leaders Brianna Agyemang And Jamila Thomas Reflect On The Movement’s Progression One Year Later

This June, the Recording Academy and its nationwide affiliates and Chapters are celebrating two important cultural months: LGBTQIA+ Pride Month & Black Music Month. As an organization, we are honoring and celebrating these two influential communities by hosting several inclusive events and diverse programming all month, including exclusive interviews and performances and uplifting playlists on GRAMMY.com, film screenings highlighting Black music legends, intimate conversations with rising queer and non-binary artists, weekly support groups, and much more. 

Building a community that cares and channeling Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) fundamentals at its core, the Recording Academy welcomes all artists, creators and music industry professionals from all walks of life. Representing musicians, songwriters, producers, engineers, and industry professionals who are changing the music industry landscape today, we cultivate the well-being of the global music community via our inclusive initiatives and engaged Chapters and affiliates all year long.

This month, we are giving a special spotlight to the LGBTQIA+ and Black music communities, whose members and creators represent some of the most diverse and accomplished professionals working in music today.

Some of the featured events happening this month include: a special screening of the award-winning documentary film Heart & Soul: A Love Story at the GRAMMY Museum; free weekly support and addiction recovery support groups for the Black music and LGBTQIA+ music communities, presented by MusiCares; Latin GRAMMY Talks celebrating Latin music creators, presented by the Latin Recording Academy; and much more.

Stream Now: Listen To GRAMMY.com's LGBTQIA+ Pride Month 2023 Playlist Featuring Demi Lovato, Sam Smith, Kim Petras, Frank Ocean, Omar Apollo & More

"With the start of both PRIDE and Black Music Month, we are honored to amplify the voices, stories, and artistry of Black and LGBTQIA+ artists through our curated offerings, providing a platform that reflects the rich tapestry of their contributions," Ryan Butler, Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for the Recording Academy, said. "Our month-long celebration is a testament to their enduring influence and an invitation for all music enthusiasts to join us in cherishing the brilliance and diversity that these communities have brought to our beloved art form."

Across the Recording Academy, we purposely participate in service to provide the international music community a bridge connecting the Recording Academy to the wider music industry. We strive to be as inclusive as the music and creators we represent. This June, we're celebrating music in all its beautiful diversity.

Below, see the full list of Recording Academy events and programming celebrating LGBTQIA+ Pride Month & Black Music Month 2023 this June:

Conversations: GRAMMYs Bridges The Gaps
Presented By: The Recording Academy's Los Angeles Chapter
Date: Throughout June 2023
Time: Various
Location: Watch online via the Recording Academy's Instagram and YouTube channels throughout the month
Info: Presented by the Recording Academy's Los Angeles Chapter, this three-part conversation series addresses hot topics in genre, craft and industry among groups of music creators and professionals who share experiences through varying "generational" lenses. Recorded at Universal Music Group’s 21fifteen Studios in Santa Monica, California, before a live audience consisting of Los Angeles Chapter members, the series features diverse Recording Academy voices, including new members, GRAMMY winners and nominees, legacy creators, and music industry executives from the Chapter's Producers & Engineers Wing, Songwriters & Composers Wing, GRAMMY U, NEXT, Black Music Collective, and more.

Black Music Community Support Group 
Presented By: MusiCares 
Date: Weekly, Ongoing, Thursdays 
Time: 12 p.m. PT / 3 p.m. ET 
Location: Contact group facilitator to join: Adrienne@mylifeepiphany.com
Info: MusiCares offers 11 free weekly support and addiction recovery support groups, including groups for the women's music community, Black music community, and LGBTQIA+ communities. These music community groups are open to anyone interested in participating. Support groups are a safe and secure place to sort through a variety of wellness issues or concerns. Each group is led by a licensed professional, and additional assistance is available if needed. 
RSVP/Event Page

LGBTQIA+ Music Community Support Group 
Presented By: MusiCares 
Date: Weekly, Ongoing, Wednesdays 
Time: 12 p.m. PT / 3 p.m. ET 
Location: Contact group facilitator to join: Adrienne@mylifeepiphany.com
Info: MusiCares offers 11 free weekly support and addiction recovery support groups, including groups for the women's music community, Black music community, and LGBTQIA+ communities. These music community groups are open to anyone interested in participating. Support groups are a safe and secure place to sort through a variety of wellness issues or concerns. Each group is led by a licensed professional, and additional assistance is available if needed. 
RSVP/Event Page

Reel To Reel: Heart & Soul: A Love Story 
Presented By: GRAMMY Museum 
Date: June 8
Time: 7 p.m. PT 
Location: GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles
Info: The GRAMMY Museum is thrilled to host a special screening of the new film Heart & Soul: A Love Story in honor of Black Music Month. Directed by pioneering singer, producer, and film/television music supervisor Kenny Vance, Heart & Soul: A Love Story is an award-winning documentary film featuring the untold, heartwarming and wrenching oral histories from the unsung heroes of rhythm & blues that influenced the global trajectory of rock during the '50s and '60s. Following the screening, entertainment journalist Brande Victorian will moderate a post-screening conversation with Vance. 
RSVP/Event Page 

Latin GRAMMY Talks: PRIDE
Presented By: Latin Recording Academy & TikTok
Date: June 15: Nicole Zignago & Esteman 
June 20: Pablo Bispo & Gloria Groove
Time: TBD
Location: @LatinGRAMMYs TikTok page
Info: This year, the Latin Recording Academy is celebrating and recognizing Black Music Month and PRIDE Month with Latin GRAMMY Talks, a new online series hosted on TikTok that creates a safe space for Latin music creators to freely express themselves about the topics that inspire and affect them. The PRIDE edition of Latin GRAMMY Talks will feature three conversations across June featuring LGBTQIA+ artists from Latin America, Brazil and the U.S. 

Craft Sessions: Follow The Song Powered By Women In The Mix 
Presented By: The Recording Academy's Los Angeles Chapter
Date: June 17
Time: 9 a.m. PT – 7 p.m. PT
Location: The Village, 1616 Butler Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90025
Info: In this unique session, presented by the Recording Academy's Los Angeles Chapter in partnership with the Producers & Engineers Wing, you'll observe GRAMMY-winning and -nominated hit makers produce, engineer, mix, and master the same original song. Then, join us for a discussion of their results in a concluding panel. This event will focus on women/non-binary creators from the audio community with all female producers and mixing and mastering engineers. The event will feature Lynne Earls, Ali Stone, Catharine Wood, Jett Galindo, Darrell Brown, Ebonie Smith, and Patricia Polgar.
RSVP/Event Page: This event is open to the Los Angeles Chapter Producers & Engineers Wing membership only. 

Leimert Park Juneteenth Festival
In Partnership With: The Recording Academy's Los Angeles Chapter, among others
Date: June 19
Time: Begins at 10 a.m. PT
Location: Leimert Park in Los Angeles, California
Info: The Recording Academy's Los Angeles Chapter joins the preeminent Juneteenth celebration in Los Angeles, taking place in the heart of Leimert Park, a historic Black culture, arts, music, and community hub. Recording Academy staff from the Awards and Los Angeles Chapter teams, elected leadership, and Black and LGBTQIA+ music creators and professionals within the GRAMMY family will contribute to the celebration via community talks, meet & greets, appearances, and much more. Produced by partners Still Rising, The World Stage, and more, the Leimert Park Juneteenth Festival is located in the historic Leimert Park Village, which features 300 Black-owned businesses, three main stages, two DJs stages, one spoken word stage, and more. This curated experience will feature great food, drinks, music, art, and culture, networking opportunities, and the best energy. Participating Recording Academy representatives include Los Angeles Chapter Executive Director Qiana Conley Akinro; Len Brown, Senior Project Manager, Awards at the Recording Academy; MAJOR., Los Angeles Chapter Board Secretary; and D Smoke, three-time GRAMMY-nominated rapper and Los Angeles Chapter Governor.
RSVP/Event Page: This festival is free and open to the public. Learn more. 

KEYSHIA COLE: THIS IS MY STORY 
Presented By: GRAMMY Museum 
Date: June 21
Time: 7 p.m. PT
Location: GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles
Info: Ahead of the official premiere on Lifetime, the GRAMMY Museum is thrilled to host a special screening of the new film KEYSHIA COLE: THIS IS MY STORY, followed by a post-screening conversation with Keyshia Cole, who executive-produced and stars in the film. Vibe's Mya Abraham will moderate the conversation.
RSVP/Event Page

Los Angeles Chapter Member Mix 
Presented By: The Recording Academy's Los Angeles Chapter
Date: June 22
Time: 4 p.m. PT
Location: Los Angeles
Info: LGBTQIA+ and Black music performance and featured elements will be built into the programming of the Los Angeles Chapter's Annual Member Mix.
RSVP/Event Page: This event is open to Los Angeles Chapter membership only.   

Latin GRAMMY Talks: Black Music Month
Presented By: Latin Recording Academy & TikTok
Date: June 26: Leslie Grace & Rico Love 
June 30: Tostao & Danay Suárez
Time: TBD
Location: @LatinGRAMMYs TikTok page
Info: This year, the Latin Recording Academy is celebrating and recognizing Black Music Month and PRIDE Month with Latin GRAMMY Talks, a new online series hosted on TikTok that creates a safe space for Latin music creators to freely express themselves about the topics that inspire and affect them. The Black Music Month edition of Latin GRAMMY Talks will feature three conversations across June featuring Black and Afro-Latinx artists from Latin America and the U.S.

A Credit Conversation: Black And Brown Communities: Embracing Financial Empowerment
Presented By: MusiCares
Date: June 26
Time: 1 p.m. ET
Location: Online via Zoom
Info: Join Robert Taylor Jr., MSW, Client Manager at MusiCares, and Brandee Wilder, founder of the Black Credit Conversation and a music industry professional, for a candid conversation about credit scores, tools to better manage credit for music industry workers, and resources to help destigmatize the credit conversation.
RSVP/Event Page: Zoom link and information forthcoming 

Spotlight: G Flip
Presented By: GRAMMY Museum 
Date: June 26
Time: 7:30 p.m. PT 
Location: GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles
Info: Rising superstar G Flip celebrates PRIDE Month with the GRAMMY Museum, featuring an intimate conversation about their new music and an exclusive performance.
RSVP/Event Page 

Recording Academy New York Chapter Black Music Month Member Mix Presented By: The Recording Academy's New York Chapter, in partnership with SummerStage
Date: June 28
Time: 7-10 p.m. ET
Location: SummerStage in Central Park, Rumsey Playfield, New York, New York 10021 
Info: The Recording Academy's New York Chapter, in partnership with SummerStage, will host a New York member night at SummerStage on June 28 to celebrate Black Music Month. The event will provide members who identify with the Black community a chance to meaningfully connect with each other, and Black music, during an Academy-recognized tentpole month. The event will feature performances from genre-bending artists Michael Franti & Spearhead and two-time GRAMMY-nominated R&B/funk/soul group Tank and The Bangas.
RSVP/Event Page: This event is open to the public. Tickets are available for purchase. More information here.

The Recording Academy's Black Music Collective & Amazon Music Announce Recipients For The 2023 "Your Future Is Now" Scholarship 

Inside a former residence in the heart of New York City, the Recording Academy's New York Chapter hosted Open House Week, a week-long event series that brought together local Academy members, artists, creators, and industry professionals to introduce them to the Academy's gorgeous, newly opened multi-level space and explore the organization's community-building initiatives and wide-spanning mission.

"It's all a long time in the making," Ruby Marchand, the Recording Academy's Chief Awards & Industry Officer, said at the opening night of Open House Week last month. "This space is for the heart and soul of New York City music creators who care about their membership, and we want them to feel appreciated by the Academy."

The organization moved into the 1920s-era Manhattan building last September after undergoing years of extensive renovations and remodeling. "We immediately saw its potential," Marchand says of the space, which has room for performances and confabs as well as meeting rooms and office space for both the Recording Academy and MusiCares. Marchand says a Steinway piano, which came with the building, came as a good omen.

"The main space is a large, beautiful cherry room, which has a magic to it," she says. "Our members should always be free to come in and feel welcome here."

According to Nick Cucci, the Senior Executive Director of the Recording Academy New York Chapter, the Open House Week series was designed to cater to a different category of Academy members each day and reach artists and professionals of all backgrounds; the kickoff event for the series, a member mix celebrating independent music makers, brought together independent labels, artists and creators in the Latin, jazz, classical, and avant-garde genres.

Along with events focused on community-building, the Open House Week series also hosted programming that explored the major topics and developments shaping the wider music industry today, including a post-graduation career development workshop with GRAMMY U students; a speed networking event for women executives in the industry; a financial wellness workshop, in partnership with MusiCares; an open, honest discussion about Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the Recording Academy and the larger music business; and much more.

"We wanted to reach as many people as possible," Cucci said of the Open House Week series. "In addition to being our week-long, grand-opening celebration, Open House Week allowed our vibrant member community to step into the Recording Academy legacy at our newly opened New York City hub. Our goal for the event was to demonstrate a genuine community by offering valuable opportunities to our members so they could see themselves within our community. Open House Week accomplished that goal successfully."

Courtesy of the Recording Academy® / Photo by Cindy Ord for Getty Images © 2023 

Carlos Padron, a percussionist and audio engineer who is the mastermind behind the salsa and Latin label Chulo Records, based in New York City, attended the opening night of Open House Week. "I received the invitation and I feel very honored and glad to be here," says Padron, who, along with having his own band Peliroja, has also been featured on the soundtrack to In the Heights. "It's about meeting people and making connections. For me, we're a small Latin label, so it's amazing the Academy does events like this and lets us know."

New York Chapter member Stanley Grill, a classical composer who specializes in medieval and Renaissance music, echoed Padron's sentiments. "It's important the Academy has events like this so you don't feel totally alone and isolated out there," he said, noting there's a main delineator between him and his peers. "Whether they're writing in my genre or not, everybody here is a huge music enthusiast. Some people are obsessed with music. I'm one of them, and in this group, I find kindred spirits."

Looking ahead, Marchand plans for the Recording Academy's New York office to continue to grow alongside the city's music community itself. "Even within each genre, there are so many hybrids and new ways people are expressing themselves," she said, noting fresh events are already being planned for the future to fully utilize the new space. "We just want to continue to evolve with our members."

How The Recording Academy New York Chapter Day Of Service Inspired Community Building & Service

Every year, the big reveal of the Recording Academy's Black Music Collective (BMC) and Amazon Music's "Your Future Is Now" scholarship recipients is always a thrilling event — and now, that day has finally come.

The Black Music Collective and Amazon Music have announced the recipients of the 2023 "Your Future Is Now" scholarship program: Joseph Michael Abiakam (Norfolk State University), Langston Jackson (Hampton University), Kennedi Amari Johnson (Clark Atlanta University), Courtney Roberts (Texas Southern University), and Caleb Wilkerson (Florida A&M University).

The "Your Future Is Now" scholarship program, which first launched in February 2021 and returned for the third consecutive year in April, provides students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) opportunities to learn and explore all facets of the music industry. The scholarship offers students the chance to receive $10,000 for the 2023/2024 school year and the opportunity to be part of an immersive rotation program with Amazon Music and Recording Academy department leads, providing each student a detailed look at their particular field of work within the music industry. To coincide with these scholarships, the BMC and Amazon Music will also award two HBCUs a $10,000 grant each for equipment for their music programs to be announced later this summer.

This diverse group of students represents five HBCU schools, across various stages and areas of focus in their higher education journey. Abiakam is a graduate student at Norfolk State University, interested in piano performance and music production; Jackson is a sophomore at Hampton University, interested in music marketing and audio production; Johnson is a sophomore at Clark Atlanta University, interested in A&R and marketing; Roberts is a freshman at Texas Southern University, interested in A&R and marketing; and Wilkerson is a junior at Florida A&M University, interested in music marketing.

Read More: 4 Key Takeaways From The "Your Future Is Now" Scholarship Program, According To Past Scholarship Recipients

"We are immensely proud to collaborate with Amazon Music in renewing this exceptional scholarship program for the third consecutive year," Ryan Butler, Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the Recording Academy, emphasized. "The imperative of Black representation in the music industry cannot be overstated, and this scholarship is a tangible manifestation of our unwavering commitment to promoting the aspirations of future Black music leaders. We are delighted to provide Joseph, Langston, Kennedi, Courtney, and Caleb with this life-changing opportunity as they pursue their ambitions and contribute to the advancement of Black music."

"The 'Your Future Is Now' scholarship was created to foster an inclusive environment where Black creators can realize their career objectives. Since its launch in 2021, the program has grown to become a cornerstone of Amazon Music and the Black Music Collective's work supporting students at HBCUs," Phylicia Fant, Head of Music Industry and Culture Collaborations at Amazon Music, said. "This year's class of students represents the next generation of Black musicians and executives, and it's an honor to play a part in their development as individuals and future leaders."

In addition, as part of "Your Future Is Now," Amazon Music, the Same House and the Recording Academy are coming together to host the "Your Future Is Now" Business Development Seminar for select members of the 2023 graduating class of Morris Brown College. Revealed this past weekend at Morris Brown's commencement by the Recording Academy's Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, Zing Shaw, this new, half-day music business seminar, taking place on Saturday, June 17, will offer professional development expertise in music business, publishing and music production. Facilitators at the event will include Recording Academy Atlanta Chapter President Justin Henderson and Frankie Yaptinchay of Amazon Music.

Following the music business seminar, graduates will be treated to a suite experience at State Farm Arena for the annual ATL Birthday Bash Concert where they will have the opportunity to network with representatives from the Recording Academy and Amazon Music, as well as other key music industry executives.

Learn more about the Recording Academy’s Black Music Collective and the "Your Future Is Now" scholarship program — and join the Recording Academy in cheering on these inspiring recipients as they charge into the future!

Your Future Is Now: Music Industry Executives Discuss The Benefits Of Historically Black Colleges And Universities

Diverse representation in the Recording Academy's leadership relies on the active participation of its membership. Open  Tuesday, May 16 — Monday, May 22, the 2023 At-Large Trustees Election once again provides Voting and Professional Members a chance to have a say in who represents them and directly elect their fellow creators and professionals to the Board of Trustees.

A robust turnout for this election can make a meaningful difference in the future of the Academy. Every ballot cast increases the likelihood of having a well-rounded Board that reflects the varied backgrounds, genres, and disciplines of the wider music community.

Whether this is your first time voting or you need a refresher, here's everything you need to know about the Recording Academy's upcoming 2023 At-Large Trustees Election.

When is the 2023 At-Large Trustees Election?

The At-Large Trustees Election is held each spring. The 2023 election opens Tuesday, May 16, at 8 a.m. local time and runs through Monday, May 22, at 11:59 p.m. local time. 

What is the difference between Chapter Board Elections and the At-Large Trustees Election?

During Chapter Board Elections, which took place in March, Voting and Professional Members vote to elect Governors to their local Chapter Board, and Chapter Boards vote to elect their respective Chapter Officers and Trustees.

During the At-Large Trustees Election, all Voting and Professional Members have the opportunity to elect four Trustees to the Board of Trustees.

Who is eligible to vote in the At-Large Trustees Elections?

All Voting and Professional Members of the Recording Academy are eligible and encouraged to vote in the At-Large Trustees Election. 

Who serves on the Board of Trustees?

The Board of Trustees is composed of 42 total Trustees. Four Trustees serve as National Officers (Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary/Treasurer, and Chair Emeritus). Of the remaining 38, eight Trustees are elected At-Large by the entire Voting and Professional membership. Since Trustees serve staggered two-year terms, only half of the Board seats are up for election each year.

All members of the Board of Trustees meet the same qualifications and serve the same goal: to uphold the mission of the Recording Academy and serve the music community at large.

Infographic explaining the Recording Academy's 2023 At-Large Trustees Election voting process | Infographic Courtesy of the Recording Academy

Who votes for Trustees?

Chapter Boards (Chapter Governors, Chapter Officers and Trustees) elect 15 Trustees each year during the Chapter Board Elections in the spring.

Voting and Professional Members elect four Trustees each year during the At-Large Trustees Election in May.

What are the responsibilities of Recording Academy Trustees?

In service to the greater music community, members of the Recording Academy Board of Trustees are responsible for: 

• Mission Alignment

• Corporate Governance

• Strategic Oversight

• CEO Oversight

• Budget Oversight 

Why is voting in the At-Large Trustees Election important?

Your vote helps ensure a diverse, inclusive and representative Board.

As demonstrated by the Recording Academy's richly diverse 2022 New Member Class, the Academy is committed to cultivating a true sense of belonging that embraces all communities, musical influences and crafts that power the music industry. Members have an opportunity to elect leaders who reflect this inclusivity.

The Board of Trustees holds a responsibility to serve the needs and aspirations of our vastly diverse music community and ensures the policies and procedures put in place by the Academy represent the values of all members. In partnership with Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr., the Board of Trustees helps strategically guide and shape the mission and policies of the Academy and its commitment to promote diversity, equity and inclusion, fight for creators' rights, protect music people in need, and preserve music's history and invest in its future. 

Your vote makes a difference.

Voting in the At-Large Trustees Election ensures that your concerns and values as an active participant of the music community are heard and accurately represented on a national scale.

Voting is a right and a responsibility for all members.

While we love hearing creators' voices on stage and in recordings, it's our responsibility to listen to their concerns, ideas and recommendations to keep our Academy and our industry evolving.

Your vote is your voice.

As a member of the Recording Academy, your vote is tremendously valued and has the power to impact the Academy's greater goals and operations.

How can I vote in the At-Large Trustees Election?

When the At-Large Trustees Election opens on Tuesday, May 16, at 8 a.m. local time, Voting and Professional Members will receive an e-mail from the Recording Academy's online voting partner, Simply Voting, containing a direct link to their online ballot and a unique username and password. Please note this login is different from each member's Recording Academy login.

Once members click on their ballot link, they can review the candidate bios and cast their votes. Voting for the At-Large Trustees Election closes Monday, May 22, at 11:59 p.m. local time. 

If members did not receive an e-mail with their ballot, we ask them to please check their spam folder and add vote@simplyvoting.com to their approved senders list. For any further questions or issues, members can reach out to elections@recordingacademy.com. 

Learn more about Recording Academy Governance and view the current list of Elected Leaders.

Your Vote, Your Voice: 6 Reasons Why Your GRAMMY Vote Matters