Grandmaster Flash, Alicia Keys And More Honored By Black American Music Association’s Inaugural ICE Medal Of Honor

Today, The Black American Music Association and its Board of Directors, led by Co-Founders Michael Mauldin and Demmette Guidry, announces The ICE Medal of Honor inaugural celebration at Atlanta’s prestigious Ray Charles Performing Arts Center at Morehouse College on Sunday, October 15, 2023. This groundbreaking event will be a historic Black tie evening honoring and paying tribute to the legends, creative visionaries, and trailblazers within Black American music, who have captivated audiences worldwide and left an everlasting impact on the cultural landscape.

Among the distinguished recipients of The ICE Medal of Honor are some of the most remarkable names in the industry, including:

• Alicia Keys – The Ella Fitzgerald “Gold Standard Award”Grandmaster Flash – “Transformative Award”Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis – “Creative Impact Award”Robert F. Smith (Philanthropist) – The Ray Charles/Harry Belafonte “Patron of Arts Award”Suzanne de Passe (Motown Productions’ 1st Black female president) – The Suzanne de Passe “Trailblazer Award”Jeffrey Harleston (Universal Music Group) – Pace/Harrell “Executive Leadership Award”A special salute to the iconic Michael Jackson with the establishment of the Michael Jackson ICON award 

The evening will provide music direction from the incomparable Ray Chew, poetic interpretation of colorful era’s by Marcus Amaker and segment curation by the legendary Wyclef Jean and gospel great Donald Lawrence. Hosted by various A list-celebrity talent, the ICE Medal of Honor seeks to shine a spotlight on the indelible contributions made by artists and executives who have enriched the world with their talents and also paved the way for generations to come. The ICE (Imperial Crown of Excellence) will serve as a beacon of recognition & education of the Black American music art form and an ode to the resilience, innovation, and brilliance of its creatives. 

Executive Producers of the ICE-Medal of Honor are BAM-Association Co-Founders Michael Mauldin & Demmette Guidry, along with Derrick Williams of DNA Media Group and Co-Executive producer Jermaine Dupri (who as Hall of Fame song writer, producer & CEO is celebrating 30 years of So So Def). The program is being produced by Mauldin & Williams and Directed by Kevin Swain.

Starting at 7 pm ET, guests will experience a poetic evening of elegance, music, inspiration, education and celebration of the last 100 years of Black music excellence. Attendees can expect a captivating blend of live performances, heartfelt speeches, moving tributes and authentic storytelling that reflect the profound influence of these music luminaries. 

“We are thrilled to launch the ICE Medal of Honor and to recognize these outstanding individuals who have made an enduring mark on the world through their art and creativity,” said Michael Mauldin, Co-Producer and visionary behind the event. “This celebration is a testament to the power of Black American music in shaping culture and inspiring generations.”