BET’s Connie Orlando Just Threw the Most Elegant Event in Black Music This Year
(L-R) Flo Ngala, DJ Kiss, Sherrese Clarke, Phylicia Fant, Connie Orlando, Ciara, Sylvia Rhone and June Ambrose Leon Bennett/Getty Images for The Connie Orlando Foundation)
On June 3rd, 2025, the music industry witnessed a monumental moment in Black cultural excellence. Hosted by BET EVP of Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy Connie Orlando, the inaugural Black Women in Music Dinner brought elegance, purpose, and power to center stage.
Held in honor of the trailblazing women shaping the future of sound, the evening celebrated icons including Sylvia Rhone, June Ambrose, Ciara, and Phylicia Fant, alongside a host of creatives and executives redefining what leadership looks like in entertainment.
From the sparkling white carpet to the couture-styled attendees, the room radiated Black excellence. Hosted by comedian and actress Zainab Johnson, the night’s tone was both celebratory and sacred—a space where legacy was honored and sisterhood reigned.
The Awards: Honoring Vision, Voice, and Vanguard Power
June Ambrose received the Guardian of Vision Award, presented by actress Niecy Nash-Betts. In her speech, Ambrose reflected on decades of styling and creative direction, giving flowers to the collaborators and culture-shapers who believed in her vision.
Phylicia Fant, music executive and advocate for emerging voices, was honored with the New Guard Award, presented by Lori Harvey and Andra Day. “Black artistry is the future,” Fant stated, affirming her mission to champion talent from the margins to the main stage.
Music icon Ciara accepted the Avant-Garde Award, hand-delivered by fellow performer Normani. With her daughter Sienna by her side, Ciara took the mic and reminded the room that motherhood and music can co-exist—and make impact.
The evening’s highest honor, the Vanguard Award, was presented to Sylvia Rhone, a trailblazing label executive whose legacy has shaped countless careers. As the first Black woman to serve as CEO of a major record label, Rhone used her acceptance speech to affirm that Black women’s voices not only belong in the music industry—they have the power to transform it.
The Guardian Angel Spotlight was awarded to DJ KISS and photographer Florence “FLO” Ngala, spotlighted by Sherrese Clarke of HarbourView Equity, recognizing them for their support of cultural equity.
Performances by Alex Isley, GIVĒON, and YULI created a soulful soundtrack for the night, introduced by none other than MC Lyte.
Sherrese Clarke, CEO of HarbourView Equity, recognized singers DJ KISS and Florence “FLO” Ngala with the Guardian Angel Spotlight.
The event also included MC Lyte who introduced performers including Alex Isley, GIVĒON, and YULI. Everybody involved in this event and all of the attendees expressed their thanks and gratitude to be part of a life changing night. This amazing dinner not only served a platform for all of these incredible people, but as an opportunity to raise funds for breast cancer prevention and care within Black communities.
The evening wasn’t just about accolades—it also raised critical funds for breast cancer prevention and care within Black communities, ensuring that the celebration translated into real-world impact.
From its fashion to its philanthropy, the Black Women in Music Dinner served as a powerful reminder: when Black women gather, magic happens—and the music industry moves forward.