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(L-R) Flo Ngala, DJ Kiss, Sherrese Clarke, Phylicia Fant, Connie Orlando, Ciara, Sylvia Rhone and June Ambrose attend Black Women in Music Dinner

Los Angeles, CA (June 4, 2025) — Brilliance met purpose at the inaugural Black Women in

Music Dinner held at the Audrey Irmas Pavilion, a celebration where cultural icons and industry

titans were honored for their unmatched contributions to the evolution of music and Black

excellence. Presented by The Connie Orlando Foundation, in partnership with HarbourView

Equity Partners, the evening was a beautiful orchestration of history, power, and love.

From the first note of the evening, it was clear that this was not just an awards ceremony; this

was an experience — a tribute to the women who have redefined the boundaries of music,

leadership, and culture. The night was an immersion into the energy, brilliance, and

unapologetic presence of Black women who have shaped the modern music landscape.

As I arrived on the pink carpet, I had the distinct honor of speaking with the evening’s visionary

host, Connie Orlando, a woman whose legacy in the industry speaks volumes. When I asked

her what this evening meant to her, she shared a sentiment that echoed through the entire

night:”Tonight is more than just a tribute, it’s more like a Love Letter to Black women, celebrating

their resilience, strength, and power. We as Black women love on each other, and I have known

many of these incredible women for decades. We’ve seen each other in the highs and lows,

when the cameras aren’t rolling, pushing each other forward with passion and purpose. This is

my love letter to them… and I love them all!”

Connie Orlando (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty)

Honoring Trailblazers: A Night of Monumental Recognition

The first honoree of the evening was none other than June Ambrose, the visionary who

single-handedly revolutionized visual storytelling in music and fashion. With the Guardian of

Vision Award, Ambrose was celebrated for her pioneering work as a style architect in the realms

of hip-hop and R&B. Ambrose’s influence transcends decades, and her ability to marry

aesthetics with storytelling has influenced generations of artists. Before receiving her award, I caught

up with June, and she shared her philosophy on style: “I draw my inspiration from my muses, their

energy, and the context of the theme we’re telling. When you have an amazing subject, you have the

Honoring Trailblazers: A Night of Monumental Recognition

The first honoree of the evening was none other than June Ambrose, the visionary who

single-handedly revolutionized visual storytelling in music and fashion. With the Guardian of

Vision Award, Ambrose was celebrated for her pioneering work as a style architect in the realms

of hip-hop and R&B. Ambrose’s influence transcends decades, and her ability to marry

aesthetics with storytelling has influenced generations of artists.

Before receiving her award, I caught up with June, and she shared her philosophy on style:

“I draw my inspiration from my muses, their energy, and the context of the theme we’re telling.

When you have an amazing subject, you have the foundation to create magic.” With a career

that spans collaborations with some of the biggest names in music, Ambrose has remained an

unshakable force in fashion and culture.

 



June Ambrose (Photos: Kassha Brown)

 

The evening also saw a momentous conversation with Sylvia Rhone, the first Black woman to

serve as Chair & CEO of a major record label, Epic Records, under Sony Music Entertainment.

Rhone’s career, which spans over 50 years, has set the tone for women in music leadership.

Her contributions have shaped some of the biggest names in the industry.

When I asked her about her secret to maintaining both her timeless beauty and icon status in an

industry dominated by men, she shared: “I take care of myself. I exercise, I get my sleep, and I try to

surround myself with good energy. I love what I do, even with all the ups and downs. The music

business has been my life for over 50 years, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything, I am addicted!”

 

It was no surprise when Sylvia Rhone was awarded the night’s highest honor, the Guardian of

Vision Award, a tribute to her extraordinary contributions as The Godmother of the Music

Industry. The award was presented by none other than Yolanda Adams, whose gospel music

has provided the soundtrack for many of our lives.

Sylvia Rhone (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty)

Amplifying New Voices and Rising Stars

Two special Guardian Angel Spotlight recognitions were presented by HarbourView Equity

Partners to DJ KISS, a woman who has consistently defied the odds as a sonic curator and

style icon in a male-dominated field. DJ KISS has built a legacy as one of the top DJs in the

entertainment world, and her award was a long-overdue celebration of her impact on the

culture.

Florence “FLO” Ngala, a visionary photographer whose lens has captured iconic moments

from Harlem to the White House, also received recognition for her tireless work in capturing the

humanity, joy, and strength of Black people. Ngala’s work continues to inspire future generations

of visual artists.

Phylicia Fant, a force in music marketing and advocacy, was honored with the New Guard Award, presented by Lori Harvey and Andra Day. Fant’s dedication to advancing equitable

representation in the music industry has set the bar for how we approach diversity and inclusion

in media. We spoke with her briefly about her blueprint to the legacy of being a Black women

who transitioned from publicity to powerhouse executive, and she shared:

“I feel that means you stand on the shoulders of those who came before you. I’ve also had great mentors—Black women who’ve broken down barriers—and I’m proud to be a part of that legacy and continue that work. We have a long way to go, and we are not the majority in any of these spaces, but knowing that I can lay the foundation and bring people with me is what I am most proud of!”

 

Fant’s words perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the evening — one of resilience, mentorship,

and the collective strength of Black women in the industry. Her advocacy for representation and

her commitment to lifting others are the cornerstones of her extraordinary career.

Photo by Kassha Brown)

 

And then there was Ciara, the global music icon who received the Avant-Garde Award. A

fearless innovator, Ciara has never been afraid to push boundaries — from her music to her

fashion choices, her voice has been a driving force in shaping modern pop culture. The award

was presented by Normani, who hailed Ciara as “the blueprint for leveling up.” It was a moment

of reverence, a nod to a legacy of innovation and empowerment.

(L to R Sienna Princess Wilson, Ciara, & Normani (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty)

 

A Night of Music and Celebration

The evening wasn’t just about accolades; it was about the music. Grammy-nominated R&B

sensation GIVĒON and the ethereal Alex Isley graced the stage, delivering performances that

allowed the audience to step into their hearts and journeys. These moments of musical

brilliance were a reminder of how far Black women have come in music, but also how much

further there is to go.

Giveon’ (Photo by Leon Bennett)

Industry titans and icons filled the room, including Emmy-winning producer, ceo & writer Jessie

Collins, singer Chante Moore & Steven, Mona Scott, Carlos King, and Muni Long, among many

others. Their presence was a testament to the undeniable influence of the women in the room,

and to the future that they are continuing to build for the next generation of music legends.

(L-R) Dionne Harmon, Jessie Collins, Chanté Moore, and Stephen Hill (Photo by Leon Bennett)

A Legacy Written in Notes

The Black Women in Music Dinner was more than a gathering of stars; it was a declaration that

Black women’s contributions to music will forever resonate, echoing through the industry for

years to come. This event highlighted the multifaceted genius of Black women who have spent

decades in the trenches, reshaping what it means to be a woman executive, a creator, a leader,

and a force of nature.

As we look to the future, one thing is certain: the legacy of these extraordinary women is far

from over. Tonight was just the beginning of an ongoing conversation — one that celebrates the

unmatched brilliance, strength, and purpose of Black women in music.

As a parting gift, guests were given the chance to choose from a selection of chart-topping

albums by phenomenal female artists.