The Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame announced its 2023 class of inductees at their induction announcement and VIP reception at ModEx June 12 in Atlanta. This year’s Inductees were revealed before a crowd of music entertainment industry pros, enthusiasts, and key media. The inductees were announced as Lil Wayne, Marvin Sapp, Queen Latifah, Mahalia Jackson, Ervin Magic Johnson, Busta Rhymes, Queen Latifah and Michael Mauldin. The official induction ceremony will be held October 26 in Atlanta.
Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame co-founders, Erica Thomas of the Georgia Entertainment Caucus, Catherine Brewton-VP of Creative for BMI and Demmette Guidry (also co-founder of the Black American Music Association) served as hosts for the event. Besides treating us to wine, light foods and cool vibes, the hosts presented us with elite surprise appearances, including James Brown’s daughter Deanna Brown Taylor,family members of late great gospel singer Mahalia Jackson, and renowned British journalist/author/artist David Nathan.
What left my mouth wide open was when actor/activist/humanitarian Danny Glover shocked us all by walking through the door just as cool and calm letting us know he doesn’t need a loud introduction upon arrival. And he was so gracious as to take picture with the attendees and journalists. Glover was a foundational inductee. That induction ceremony took place in February where gospel TV icon Dr. Bobby Jones and Ambassador Andrew Young were also inducted.
Since the inaugural inductee class of 2021, inductees have included New Edition, Otis Redding, Kirk Franklin, Shirley Caesar, included James Brown, Quincy Jones, Prince, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Shirley Caesar, Bob Marley, Missy Elliott, OutKast, The Clark Sisters, Cathy Hughes, Beyonce, Usher Raymond IV, Berry Gordy, Beyonce’ Knowles, Fela Kuti, Cicely Tyson, Tyler Perry, Yolanda Adams, BeBe and CeCe Winans, Mary J. Blige and Sean Combs. The Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame’s The Crown Jewel of Excellence emblems for inductees are located on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, in front of Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The Black Entertainment Music and Entertainment Walk of Fame honors individuals and organizations that have made an impact on Black culture and the community through music and entertainment on both national and international levels. It is a joint initiative between the Black American Music Association and the Georgia Entertainment Caucus.
By Lin. Woods
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