Chaka Khan, who received a lifetime achievement award from the Recording Academy in February, is set to receive another honor on Friday, June 12, when she is set to be presented with the Vanguard Award at The Connie Orlando Foundation Presents Black Women in Music Dinner. The event, now in its second year, is being held at the Audrey Irmas Pavilion in Los Angeles.
The event is designed to “celebrate Black women who safeguard, preserve and elevate the music industry and their unmatched contributions to Black excellence,” in the organization’s words. Stand-up comedian, actress and podcaster Zainab Johnson will host the event, which is a fundraiser for breast cancer prevention and care.
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Here’s a quick look at the 2026 Honorees and Spotlights:
Khan will receive the Vanguard Award, recognizing her legendary status in the music industry and her lasting influence across genres and generations. Khan has won 10 Grammys in addition to her lifetime achievement award from the Recording Academy. In 2023, she was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame via their award for musical excellence. Kelly Rowland will receive the Velvet Guard Award, “celebrating her artistry and presence that have become woven into the fabric of culture.” Rowland is a four-time Grammy winner — three times with Destiny’s Child and once as a solo artist for “Dilemma,” her 2002 collab with Nelly, which won best rap/sung collaboration. Choreographer Fatima Robinson will receive the Guardian of Vision Award for her impact on shaping the moves of music’s biggest stars, including Michael Jackson, Aaliyah, Backstreet Boys and Mary J. Blige. Robinson’s choreography credits for film and TV include Save the Last Dance, Dreamgirls and The Wiz Live!. Music executive Natina Nimene will receive the New Guard Award, celebrating her role as a game-changing leader who inspired future generations and energized the music industry. Gail Mitchell, veteran music journalist and Billboard’s editor at large, R&B/Hip-Hop, and Ebonie Smith, music producer, engineer, musician, and A&R executive, have been selected as The Guardian Angel Spotlights. This recognition celebrates individuals who serve as messengers, protectors and guides within the music industry.The dinner will serve as The Connie Orlando Foundation’s annual fundraiser focused on breast cancer awareness, research and care. By raising funds and driving attention to this critical cause, the foundation aims to empower women with the knowledge, resources and support they need to fight breast cancer and improve health outcomes.
“Black Women in Music began with a simple idea, to shine a light on the extraordinary women who are the lifeblood of music and global culture, and to create a space where we can celebrate ourselves, on our own terms,” Orlando said in a statement. “We are proud to return, not only to honor this year’s incredible women, but to continue raising awareness for breast cancer and investing in the health and well-being of our community. With our Founding Partner HarbourView Equity Partners, we are building something that goes beyond one night. This is about visibility, ownership, and making sure Black women in music are seen, supported and sustained at every level.”
“At HarbourView, we center artistry and audiences in our practice not as an afterthought, but as the core of global culture,” said Sherrese Clarke, founder and CEO of HarbourView Equity Partners. “Women possess an extraordinary power to see everyone, and it is this unique perspective that brings all audiences the beauty and artistry they crave — proving that these creators deserve more than just a seat at the table, but ownership of the stories that move the world. Black Women in Music and The Connie Orlando Foundation are doing the critical work of shaping how artistry and leadership are seen, valued, and sustained. We are proud to stand as the founding partner of this effort and to continue our deep investment in the women who move culture forward.”
Additional supporters and partners include prestige partner Amazon Music and contributing partners BET Media Group, Jesse Collins Entertainment, Universal Music Group and OWN.
The event is executive produced by The Connie Orlando Foundation and brought to life by an all-Black women-led creative and production team, including Glorified, One Happy Camper Productions and Wright Productions.
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