Chaka Khan, Kelly Rowland and Industry Icons Honored at Second Annual Black Women in Music Dinner

When the lights dimmed at Los Angeles’ Audrey Irmas Pavilion on June 12, 2026, the Connie Orlando Foundation transformed the venue into a stage for a night of recognition and reverence. The second‑annual Black Women in Music Dinner, part of Black Music Month, celebrated the influence of Black women who keep the music industry alive.

The ceremony opened with a speech from Connie Orlando, executive VP at BET, who described the gathering as "the living answer to a prayer." She added, "We are here to support one another, protect our presence, and build a legacy of love that lights the way for the girls coming behind us." Orlando also warned that Black women are "constantly asked to labour and be the backbone, often while our own wellbeing is ignored," and that the industry climate "tries to minimise our power and rewrite our truth."

The first honoree, Chaka Khan, received the Vanguard Award—a tribute to her five‑decade reign as the "Queen of Funk." Khan reflected on the night, saying, "I don’t know how long we’ve been trying to pull it together, but I think that Black women finally found the beauty within ourselves and each other." She added, "I feel so overwhelmed right now, this evening, with high spirit."

Kelly Rowland was next in line for recognition. The award was presented by her mother, Tina Knowles, who praised Rowland as "a rare gem" and a "superstar in every sense of the word," while also acknowledging her as "the best wife, mother, sister, friend and daughter anyone can ask for." Rowland, a former Destiny’s Child member and solo artist with five‑million‑sold albums, has since built a career as a television judge and coach.

Other recipients honored that evening included choreographer Fatima Robinson—known for directing music videos for high‑profile artists—music executive Natina Nimene, who has held senior roles at major record labels, Billboard journalist Gail Mitchell, and Gender Amplified founder Ebonie Smith, whose nonprofit champions gender equity in music.

The dinner was punctuated by musical performances from singer‑songwriter Chanté Moore, vocalist David Michael Wyatt, and violinist Yuli. Comedian Zainab Johnson hosted the event, guiding the flow of speakers and introducing each honoree with wit and warmth.

The Connie Orlando Foundation’s Black Women in Music Dinner is a new platform aligned with the broader celebration of Black Music Month. By spotlighting artists, executives, journalists, and activists, the foundation seeks to build a network that supports Black women’s leadership in music and related creative industries.

The choice of venue—Los Angeles’ Audrey Irmas Pavilion—underscores the foundation’s commitment to giving Black women a high‑profile stage. The pavilion has hosted numerous music and cultural events, making it an apt backdrop for this milestone.

In summary, the second annual Black Women in Music Dinner highlighted the achievements of Chaka Khan, Kelly Rowland, Fatima Robinson, Natina Nimene, Gail Mitchell, and Ebonie Smith. The ceremony, held on June 12, 2026, reinforced the foundation’s mission to support Black women’s presence and legacy in the music industry. The event closed with applause for the honorees and a renewed call to continue building a community that protects and elevates Black women in music.