BMAC x Academy of Country Music
Celebrated Organizations Join Forces for New Initiative Supporting Young Black Members of the Music Community in Nashville, TN.
The Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) and the Academy of Country Music (ACM) proudly announced today a new partnership to launch, sustain and support “OnRamp,” a guaranteed income program for 20 young, Black members of the music community, including artists and industry professionals, in Nashville, Tennessee. The OnRamp program, focused on improving inclusivity and equity within Music City, aims to empower the next generation of leaders in the early stages of their careers by granting access to professional development opportunities, community mentorship, and other opportunities to increase personal growth, industry exposure, exclusive Academy membership panels and tent-pole live events, and visibility with Academy Board members and industry leaders. Additionally, through the program, each participant will receive a $1,000 monthly stipend for one year.
OnRamp applications will be available starting in late Spring with the program starting in June, in celebration of Black Music Month and to commemorate the Black Music Action Coalition’s third anniversary. Interested candidates can visit acmcountry.com/onramp today to sign up for email notifications when applications are rolled out.
BMAC x JIMMY JAM & TERRY LEWIS
Music Makers Grant
BMAC takes you behind the scenes with the legendary Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis as they award Mondaii with the Music Makers Grant. Mondaii, up and coming rapper and songwriter, meets with Prophet, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis to discuss the inspiration behind the music and the disparities in the industry as Black artists. Mondaii has received $5,000 to help advance his career as well as guidance from the Rock & Roll legends themselves to ensure his success in the industry.
Transformational Support for Emerging Nashville-Based Artists & Young Black Creator Through Guaranteed Basic Income
Continuing its work for equity and representation in the music industry, the Black Music Action Coalition announces a guaranteed basic income program for 40 Black Nashville-based artists, creators and aspiring managers, providing financial assistance enabling them to survive and thrive as they build their careers. The program is scheduled to launch in early 2023.
Representation and equity is hindered not just by systems and bias, but by access to resources. It’s both a class and race issue. Civil rights leaders and activist organizations have long emphasized economic stability as an essential component of civil rights. It was the core of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Poor People’s Campaign and the second point, following freedom, in the Black Panther Party’s Ten-Point Platform.
Mentor & Internship Programs
Wasserman Music, Black Music Action Coalition and Tennessee State University Create The Music Accelerator Program
Black Music Action Coalition is committed to breaking down barriers, creating access, opportunities and leveling the playing field for the next generation of Black Executives and creatives. This partnership with Wasserman Music and TSU is the beginning of a movement that will grow and further expand to colleges across the country. Not only are we ensuring meaningful paid internships with support services like housing and transportation but to have the opportunity to bring in subject matter experts and industry leaders to conduct in-person classes will be invaluable to the students.
Audiomack and the Black Music Action Coalition launch internship and mentorship program: Black Music Executives Are The Future
If we are serious about closing the wealth gap and building an equitable industry and society, then there must be a true investment made into the next generation of Black executives and artists. BMAC’s mission is not to only hold our industry accountable for dismantling systems that have historically prevented us from reaping the benefits of a culture we created but also to create new systems, new ideas, and new leaders. It starts with leveling the playing field and ensuring that the executives and artists coming up, have the tools, support, resources, and access to excel. If Black lives matter – prove it.