Chaka Khan, Kelly Rowland & More Honored at 2026 Black Women in Music Dinner

Connie Orlando's voice boomed through the Audrey Irmas Pavilion in Los Angeles on a warm June evening, as she welcomed the guests to the second annual Black Women in Music event. Just two weeks before the BET Awards, Orlando had a lot on her plate, but she had made time to spearhead this special evening. As the executive vp of specials, music programming and music strategy at BET, and the founder of the Connie Orlando Foundation, this was a night close to her heart.

Connie Orlando's passion for this event was evident as she spoke from the podium. She talked about the importance of the Black Women in Music event in a way that felt deeply personal. For her, it was "the living answer to a prayer", a celebration of the collective power of Black women in the music industry. As she looked out at the room, filled with the faces of honorees and guests alike, she acknowledged the weight of the challenges they faced. "We are constantly asked to labor and be the backbone, often while our own well-being is ignored," she said, her words hitting home.

This year's honorees, Chaka Khan, Kelly Rowland, Fatima Robinson, Natina Nimene, Gail Mitchell, and Ebonie Smith, were being recognized for their contributions to the music industry. But for Orlando, this was more than just an awards ceremony. It was a chance to "give you your flowers" and ensure that their contributions were "permanently etched in history." As she looked at the honorees, she saw not just individual stars, but a collective legacy of love and dedication that would inspire future generations.

Orlando's message was not just about celebrating the past, but also about fighting for a better future. She spoke about the alarming healthcare disparities faced by Black women, particularly when it came to breast cancer. "Black women face alarming healthcare disparities born from systemic inequalities resulting in delayed diagnosis and inadequate treatment," she said, her words a call to action. For Orlando, this was a battle that was "spiritually committed to education, prevention, and early detection." Her vision was clear: a world where breast cancer no longer existed.

The evening was brought to life by an all-Black women-led creative team, with performances by Chanté Moore, David Michael Wyatt, and Yuli, and hosting duties handled by comedian Zainab Johnson. As the night drew to a close, the guests departed, but the message of the evening remained, a powerful reminder of the importance of sisterhood, legacy, and fighting for a better future.

As I reflect on this evening, I am struck by the sense of community and purpose that defined it. For Connie Orlando, the Black Women in Music event is more than just a celebration, it's a call to action, a reminder that we are all stronger together. As we look to the future, I hope that this event will continue to inspire and uplift, and that the legacy of the honorees will continue to shine brightly for generations to come.

• The second annual Black Women in Music event was held on June 12, 2026, at the Audrey Irmas Pavilion in Los Angeles.
• The event was executive produced by Connie Orlando and the Connie Orlando Foundation.
• Honorees included Chaka Khan, Kelly Rowland, Fatima Robinson, Natina Nimene, Gail Mitchell, and Ebonie Smith.
• The event raised awareness about breast cancer disparities faced by Black women.