Lizzo To Receive the 2023 Quincy Jones Humanitarian Award
Lizzo is the latest musician to be presented with the 2023 Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) Quincy Jones Humanitarian Award.
The 35-year-old is being honored for her philanthropic work and commitment to social justice. During her career, the songwriter has raised and donated over half a million dollars to organizations, including Black Girls Smile and The Bail Project.
Most recently, she pledged a $1 million donation to Planned Parenthood and the National Network of Abortion Funds in response to the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, thereby ending women's right to access abortion.
“The Black Music Action Coalition is proud to honor Lizzo and Sylvia Rhone at this year’s gala as they join a group of trailblazers who have made immense impact within the music industry and beyond,” said BMAC co-founder Willie “Prophet” Stiggers. “We applaud their dedication to pushing boundaries, amplifying Black voices, and crashing through those glass ceilings, creating space for Black women.”
Lizzo joins Epic Records CEO Sylvia Rhone, who is also set to be honored at the event with the BMAC Clarence Avant Trailblazer Award.
The “About Damn Time” singer’s recognition arrives amidst ongoing legal battles. Alongside her production company, Big Grrrl Big Touring Inc., and dance team captain Shirlene Quigley, the Grammy Award-winner faces allegations from several former dancers who claim that she fostered a toxic work environment.
The former employees maintain that they were subjected to religious and racial harassment, disability discrimination, assault, and false imprisonment.
Lizzo has denied the accusations, and lawyers for the singer have since announced that “Lizzo intends to sue for malicious prosecution after she prevails and these specious claims are dismissed."
