Connie Orlando Launches Eponymous Foundation With Inaugural Black Women In Music Dinner: Recap

The Connie Orlando Foundation made its official debut on Tuesday (June 3) with the inaugural Black Women in Music Dinner.

In partnership with Founding Partner HarbourView Equity Partners, the illustrious event was hosted by actress and comedian Zainab Johnson, and honored Sylvia Rhone, June Ambrose, Ciara, and Phylicia Fant for their impactful, pioneering work. Ambrose received the Guardian of Vision Award for her innovative work as a stylist and creative director. Presented by Niecy Nash-Betts, the actress described Ambrose as “an architect of culture and visionary of soulful, immersive stories.”

“This one hits a little bit different,” Ambrose admitted during her acceptance speech. She praised Connie Orlando for being a “guiding light and trusted confidant” over the years as well as Rhone for trusting her with Missy Elliott and Busta Rhymes. “That faith not only shaped my path, but it deepened my purpose,” she continued.

Fant was honored with the New Guard Award for her “groundbreaking work in music marketing and advocacy for equitable representation.” Presented by Lori Harvey and Andra Day, the latter celebrated her longtime friend’s “deep understanding of how crucial Black artistry is to the future of business,” noting that “her work stands as a testament to this.”

Fant’s speech was both reverent and poetic as she spoke on the “cultural crisis” we’re facing, the importance of ownership, and how “reinvention is survival.” She detailed working with the likes of Prince, Amy Winehouse, Lil Nas X, Joey Bada$$, Kelly Rowland, Usher, Chloe x Halle, and more. She even labeled Day’s voice as “prayer and protest.”

Normani presented Ciara with her Avant-Garde Award. Joined by her daughter, Sienna, who already knows how to command savaattention at the tender age of 8, the “Level Up” singer shared that, “This award makes me feel like I’m doing something right.”

Sylvia Rhone received the highest honor with the Vanguard Award. Known as “The Godmother of the Music Industry,” Rhone was celebrated for timeless leadership and dedication to amplification excellence across genres. Yolanda Adams, who presented the award, called Rhone “a beacon of hope and a powerful champion for change.” Rhone spoke on the current uncertainty of the music industry, noting, “We can’t afford to be comfortable […] We must be vigilant and wise. We continue to protect it and our place in it.”

Sherrese Clarke, CEO of HarbourView Equity, recognized DJ KISS and Florence “FLO” Ngala with the Guardian Angel Spotlight. Clarke explained, “At HarbourView, we believe artists deserve more than just a seat at the table, they deserve ownership of their stories and the freedom to build their own.”

MC Lyte voiced the event and attendees indulged in performances from Alex Isley, GIVĒON, and YULI. Orlando also became emotional when addressing guests, sharing, “It is a privilege for me to curate this event, to give these extraordinary women their flowers, to shine a light on how vital they’ve been to global culture, and to just say ‘thank you.’”

The foundation expressed that “the dinner served not only as a celebration, but as a call to action, raising funds and awareness for breast cancer prevention and care in Black communities.”

Check out more highlights below.