In an effort to underscore the cultural contributions and economic force of Black American music including the blues, jazz, funk, hip-hop and more, music executives have announced the non-profit 501(c)(6) Black American Music Association (BAM).
Led by Michael Mauldin, Demmete Guidry and Judy Klein, BAM was created to “preserve, protect and promote the legacy and future of authentic Black American music as a global art form,” according to a press release.
Originally founded in 2017, BAM ” utilizes the art form’s global cultural influence to impact local communities and empower future generations through professional training, education, preservation, financial literacy, and advocacy.”
“I’m so honored to be chairing the Black American Music Association and to help lead a movement involving so many dedicated, like-minded executives, creatives, and professional leaders in their own rights. Throughout my entire career, I have been driven and inspired by Black American music; an art form that we identify with, as the mother of all popular music genres,” states co-founder Michael Mauldin. “We also want to thank the late Andre Harrell for his support from day one.”
BAM will reportedly begin events and action items in 2021, as well as the inaugural Black American Music Awards in 2-22. Other initiatives include a professional certification program as well as non-profit partnerships with The Otis Redding Foundation, Hope For Harvest, NXG Leaders, and Power2Inspire Foundation. In addition, BAM in partnership with BMI will launch the Black American Music Walk of Fame, slated to debut in Atlanta, Georgia in the Fall.
“As an indigenous art form, Black American music deserves to be protected, preserved and celebrated by those who profit from it and by those who have labored to advance it. With stewardship, innovation, narrative and economic positioning we will transform our cultural relevance into community relevance empowering future generations,” expressed co-founder Demmette Guidry. “Black American Music has inspired over 50 different genres of music and has been one of the most powerful influences on culture, trends, fashion, dance and humanity around the world. It is one of America’s greatest and most profitable exports,” continues Guidry.
Board and charter members of BAM thus far include Derrick Williams (DNA Media Group), Catherine Brewton (BMI), Steve McKeever (Hidden Beach Recordings), Dennis Ashley (ICM Partners), Nwaka Onwusa (Rock & Roll Hall of Fame), Chaka Zulu (Spotify/Disturbing Tha Peace Records), Nicole Wyskoarko (Interscope Records) and more.
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