Black women are the backbone of the music industry, and the Connie Orlando Foundation celebrated that in the most fantastic way during the Black Women in Music Dinner.
The 2026 Black Women in Music Dinner took place on June 12 at the Audrey Irmas Pavilion in Los Angeles. The annual event brought together artists, executives, makers and cultural architects for an evening that was equal parts celebration, testimony and reminder that the women who built this industry deserve their flowers while they are still there to receive them.
According to the official press release, the event was hosted by comedian Zainab Johnson and presented in partnership with Founding Partner HarbourView Equity Partners and is now firmly established as one of the cornerstone celebrations of Black Music Month. In the room, attendees included Connie Orlando herself, Bresha Webb, Tracey Edmonds, Mona Scott-Young, Shaun Robinson and Gabrielle Dennis, which tells you everything you need to know about the energy in that building on a Friday night in LA.
This year’s awards were literally icons. Chaka Khan received the Vanguard Award, presented by Sherrese Clarke, founder and CEO of HarbourView Equity Partners. They looked at the legend and said, “Your voice didn’t just define an era; it continues to shape the future.”
Kelly Rowland received the Velvet Guard Award, presented by none other than Tina Knowles, who gave one of the most moving emcee speeches of the entire evening.
“Kelly, you are a rare gem and it was a pleasure to be your bonus mom,” said Tina. “You are a superstar in every sense of the word and you are also the best wife, mother, sister, friend and daughter anyone could ask for.”
Fatima Robinson, one of the most influential choreographers and creative directors in the history of the music video era, received the Guardian of Vision Award. Her award was presented by 2025 Vanguard Honoree Sylvia Rhone, who called her “my sister-friend, my creative guru and one of the most influential visionaries of our time.”
Natina Nimene received the New Guard Award. Host Juliette Jones noted that what sets Nimene apart is “her rare combination of steadfast protection and strategic focus” and her ability to “bridge the gap between the raw energy of the streets and the high-stakes boardroom.”
The evening also spotlighted Billboard’s Editor at Large for R&B and Hip-Hop, Gail Mitchell, and award-winning producer and audio engineer Ebonie Smith as the Foundation’s 2026 Guardian Angel Spotlights. This award honors the music industry’s protectors and messengers who quietly and consistently stand up for the next generation. Both were hosted by 2025 Guardian Angel Spotlight recipient DJ KISS, who also provided music for the evening.
Performances from YULI, David Michael Wyatt and the legendary Chanté Moore kept the crowd buzzing all night long, as an evening celebrating black women in music was always going to sound just right.
The Connie Orlando Foundation’s Black Women in Music Dinner also continued its important work to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer prevention, education and care in Black communities. The event was more than a celebration of the gifted black women in music. It was a promise to the women it honored. Chaka Khan, Kelly Rowland and every woman in that room deserved every moment of it.
Congratulations!
Check out more photos from the evening below!
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