Black Music Action Coalition Awards Celebrate Common and Public Enemy
At the 6th annual Black Music Action Coalition Gala, rap artists Common and Public Enemy were honored for their contributions to black community advocacy through music. Common received the Harry Belafonte Change Agent Award, while Public Enemy earned the Social Impact Award. Patti LaBelle was also recognized with the BMAC Icon Award.
Brève Publié le (Africa/Lagos, UTC+1) · date de l'événement : 2026-09-24
At the 6th annual Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) Gala on Thursday, rap artists Common and Public Enemy were honored for their influential roles in advocating for the black community through music.
Common received BMAC’s Harry Belafonte Change Agent Award, recognizing his nearly 40-year career as a “conscious rapper” who uses music as a platform for social advocacy. He noted that while music styles have evolved, artists continue to embed meaningful messages in their work, citing Kendrick Lamar and Earl Sweatshirt as examples.
Public Enemy was awarded the BMAC Social Impact Award. Founding member Chuck D emphasized that while there can never be another Public Enemy, artists today can still “Fight the Power” by understanding their audience, the purpose of their art, and staying committed to authentic expression.
Additionally, legendary R&B singer Patti LaBelle received the BMAC Icon Award for her enduring career.