**Honoring the Resilience of Black Music: Recap of the Juneteenth Summit Celebrating the Legacy of James Brown**
Centralizing the joy, strength, and freedom embodied in Black music, the recent “Say It Loud! I’m Black and I’m Proud!” Juneteenth Summit was a vibrant homage to the indelible legacy of the Godfather of Soul, James Brown. The event, a collaborative effort between the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC), Primary Wave, and the Universal Music Group Task Force for Meaningful Change, took place Saturday, June 21, at Brown’s sprawling estate, nestled just 6 miles beyond his hometown of Augusta, Georgia.
With exclusivity cloaking the affair, attendees found themselves immersed in a celebration of BMAC’s fifth anniversary alongside the Task Force’s milestone, all set against the backdrop of Black Music Month during Juneteenth weekend. BMAC’s Co-founder and CEO, affectionately known as Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, expressed the surrealness of commemorating this occasion at the residence of the iconic James Brown. “Mr. Brown released ‘Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud!’ in 1968, catalyzing a powerful movement at the peak of the Black Power era,” Stiggers reflected.
Delving deeper, Stiggers highlighted a poignant aspect of Brown’s legacy, detailing how the legendary musician kept shackles in his closet as a poignant reminder of America’s turbulent past. “While we awaited the promise of ‘40 acres and a mule,’ Mr. Brown strategically invested in 70 acres and his private jet near the harrowing Redcliffe Plantation. Our endurance, brilliance, and jubilation stand as testaments to the enduring resilience of our community,” he shared.
Reflecting on Brown’s trailblazing spirit, Donna Grecco, vp of asset and creative at Primary Wave, emphasized his pioneering role in Black artist entrepreneurship within the music industry. “James Brown epitomized the essence of a larger-than-life icon, blazing trails for generations to come. His unwavering dedication to racial equity reverberates still today, making his estate the perfect venue for this celebration of Black excellence and the profound impact of Black music,” Grecco remarked.
A procession of executive shuttles transported 150 esteemed guests from Atlanta to Brown’s estate, where a lavish reception awaited. Attendees were treated to a curated tour of the estate, spirited cocktails, a soulful barbecue featuring delectable offerings, and a delightful wine and beer tasting from local, Black-owned establishments. The evening unfolded with a captivating panel discussion led by BMAC board member Naima Cochrane, featuring industry powerhouses such as UMG general counsel Jeff Harleston and artist manager Caron Veazey, further enriched by musical performances from Mali Wilson, Buddy Red, and Tiffany Evans.
From the insightful panel discussion, resonant lessons echoed throughout the gathering. Brown’s daughter, Dr. Deanna Thomas, shared a pivotal nugget of wisdom gleaned from her father’s legacy. “Never compromise your ownership. That was my father’s mantra. Music is the currency, and he recognized that truth instinctually, without the confines of formal education. He stood firm in his belief that it’s not merely about the show but marrying the artistic vision with astute business acumen,” Thomas eloquently declared.
Drawing from the wealth of experiences and knowledge shared during the summit, key takeaways reverberated with empowerment and advocacy. Harleston underscored the importance of artist autonomy, citing Bad Bunny’s ownership of his creative output as a testament to strength and resilience. Lever delved into the transformative potential of collaboration, exemplified by artists like J. Cole and Lil Durk bridging disparate realms to convey potent messages. Cochrane emphasized the evolving landscape of Black music, emphasizing the imperative for adaptability and inclusivity across all facets of the industry.
In addition to BMAC, the Juneteenth Summit received generous support from an array of sponsors, including Universal Music Group’s Global Impact team, Billboard, and Destination Augusta. The event encapsulated a rich tapestry of musical legacies, cultural heritage, and boundless creativity, serving as a soul-stirring tribute to the enduring influence and significance of Black music.
