BMAC HOSTS ECONOMIC JUSTICE SUMMIT

The Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) held its Economic Justice Summit at the UTA offices in Beverly Hills on Friday (2/2) as part of Grammy week. Hosted by BMAC Co-founder Willie "Prophet" Stiggers, the event included a panel discussion with Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Chairman/iHeart Media President John Sykes, Creative Build New York Director of Strategic Initiatives Maura Cuffie-Peterson and Mayors for a Guaranteed Income (MGI) Founder Michael Tubbs.

Following a courtyard reception, guests were led into the screening room where they were treated to a 15-minute clip of the documentary It's Basic. Directed by Marc Levin and executive produced by Tubbs, the film follows several pilot guaranteed income programs launched in the U.S. that test the effects of giving hardworking people an extra $500 to $1,000 monthly.

The panel discussion followed, with Stiggers challenging each panelist to talk about how their various organizations are supporting the guaranteed income initiative within the music community. Sykes focused on the colossal contributions of Black artists, reminding the crowd six out of the first 10 artists inducted into the RRHOF were Black. He also applauded BMAC for their ongoing commitment to social justice initiatives.

Meanwhile, we were asked to leave after our third trip to the food table. Pictured above (l-r) wondering how long they have to pretend to like us are Sykes, Stiggers, Cuffie-Peterson and Tubbs.

(L-R) Sykes and AllHipHop Co-founder Greg Watkins

(L-R) AllHipHop Co-founder Chuck Creekmur, Watkins, Stiggers, BMAC Co-founder Ashaunna Ayars, Lorrie Boula, BMAC Co-founder Caron Veazey and Congressman Jamaal Bowman