A Night for Atlanta: Black American Music Awards Celebrate Black Music and Legacy

One of the night’s pivotal moments came when Jermaine Dupri received the inaugural Jam & Lewis Global Creative Impact Award from legendary producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. “Georgia is the true place where American Black music lives,” Dupri said during his acceptance speech.

The evening opened with a performance by Kenny Lattimore, setting the tone for a night dedicated to honoring excellence across generations of Black music. Lattimore’s performance was dedicated to music veteran and icon, Peabo Bryson. 

Legendary groups BRICK, CAMEO, and The S.O.S. Band were presented with the, Legacy Foundational Honor, in recognition of their lasting contributions to music and culture.

Jagged Edge was also honored during the evening, using the moment to thank Dupri for his guidance and support in helping turn their musical aspirations into reality.

The celebration also highlighted the global reach of Black music with the introduction of a creative collaboration between Atlanta’s Unite Atlanta | bamX and South Africa’s MACIE: Mzansi-Atlanta. Artists Siphokazi and LisaD graced the stage for performances.

As he introduced the initiative, Calloway underscored the significance of the partnership, telling attendees, “Black music doesn’t have borders.”

Later in the program, Michael Mauldin presented Kenny Lattimore with the Chairman’s Award. Guests were then treated to a special medley performance by The Ton3s in honor of Anthony Hamilton before he took the stage to accept the Voice of Soul Award.

“Atlanta has taken me in as its own and I’m truly grateful and honored,” Hamilton told the audience as he accepted the recognition.

The celebration continued as T.I. received the Song of the Year Award for, “Let ’Em Know.” During his remarks, he expressed gratitude for the moment, telling attendees, “I appreciate being able to be here at this point in my career, alive and able to… let ’em know.”

Closing the evening, Mauldin encouraged attendees to carry forward the love, joy, and unity that Black music inspires. He also reminded guests that the Black American Music Awards are only the beginning of a larger effort to celebrate, preserve, and elevate the legacy of Black music for generations to come.