Some of the music industry’s top music managers are hoping the industry will “put a plan for chance in place… within the next 30 days,” with the newly launched Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC).
According to Billboard, the BMAC is in alliance with advocacy organization #TheShowMustBePaused and pledges to see an advance in racial justice in the music industry but in society as well, including the mission for the #BlackLivesMatter movement.
On board for the call to change are over 30 artist managers, attorneys, business managers, agents as well as other industry professionals.
“We are encouraged by recent efforts by Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, Sony Music, Apple, YouTube, BMG and other industry participants,” the BMAC wrote in a statement geared towards the music industry. “However, we know that more needs to be done, and we must do it together.”
Moving forward, the coalition’s goal is to meet with each company’s CEO, senior management, and their head of newly formed task forces in order to “mutually develop a plan to address the deeply rooted systemic racism in our industry,” when it comes to Black artists and executives.
Furthermore, BMAC is requesting a say so in how funding supports the black community “because so few companies in the music industry are run by Black people. It is essential that the funds are used to benefit the Black community that the music industry has relied upon for so much of its success.”
The advisory board for BMAC consists of Clarence Avant, Quincy Jones, Azoff Company chairman/CEO Irving Azoff and entertainment attorney Ron Sweeney, the outlet reports.
“Many have come together in the past to address rampant racism in our business and society,” Avant said in a statement. “Never before, though, have I seen a moment when a cross-generational group of powerful Black artists, songwriters, producers, managers, agents, and lawyers have come together in this way, working as one, with a common, unified voice to root out racism. There is power in that union, promise in their vision, and hope that we can move meaningfully toward a more equal and just business and country. I’m inspired and glad to be part of it.”
Artists who have signed on and endorsed the coalition include artists who are represented by many of BMAC’s founding members including #NickiMinaj, #LadyGaga, #BillieEilish, #Offset, #LilNasX, #Khalid, #CardiB, #TravisScott, #PostMalone, #MissyElliott, #MaryJBlige, and #PDiddy.
“The industry that has profited the most off of Black culture must lead by example,” BMAC’s written letter added. “BMAC intends to hold you accountable and will keep track of the music industry’s efforts to clean up its own house.”
To read the full BMAC letter, including a list of founders, board members, partners, and signatories, go to bmacoalition.org
