The inaugural Black Women in Music Dinner, hosted by the Connie Orlando Foundation, wasn’t just another glamorous industry event—it was a moment of cultural resonance and celebration. Taking place in the lead-up to the BET Awards on June 9, the evening brought together a constellation of powerhouse women in music, fashion, and media. It was a night designed to honor the achievements, artistry, and influence of Black women who continue to define and shape the industry.
Held in an intimate setting, the event struck a graceful balance between elegance and activism. Guests arrived not just to shine, but to support a greater cause: the dinner doubled as a fundraiser for breast cancer awareness and research, blending purpose with poise. The mood was celebratory yet intentional, the kind of energy that only occurs when shared vision meets community spirit.
A Host With Vision and Grace
Leading the evening was none other than Connie Orlando herself—executive, philanthropist, and the founder of the Connie Orlando Foundation. Dressed in a show-stopping peach Givenchy sequin cocktail dress, Orlando set the tone for the evening: one of class, glamour, and vision. Her foundation, which champions underserved communities through education, mentorship, and health initiatives, infused the event with a deeper sense of mission. This wasn’t just about honoring music; it was about uplifting lives.
Honoring Icons: A Spotlight on June Ambrose
The night’s emotional centerpiece came when Niecy Nash took the stage to present the Guardian of Vision Award to the legendary June Ambrose. Nash, radiant in a golden Andrew Gn gown, brought humor and heart to the moment. Ambrose, a trailblazer whose work has left an indelible mark on both fashion and music, received her award in an all-black Bibhu Mohapatra look—striking, sleek, and perfectly emblematic of her signature style.
Ambrose’s acceptance was a powerful reminder of the decades she’s spent paving the way for others—styling icons, redefining music video aesthetics, and opening doors for Black creatives across disciplines.
Fashion as a Language of Celebration
The red carpet told a story all its own. Ciara and her daughter Sienna arrived in matching black suits by Bishme Cromartie—a mother-daughter fashion moment that radiated strength and unity. Lori Harvey captivated in a textured white Alexander McQueen gown that whispered understated elegance while commanding attention.
Muni Long, never one to blend into the background, lit up the space in a striped Hanifa mini dress. Paired with clear heels and a sleek updo, her look was both playful and poised—mirroring her signature sound and presence.
Claire Sulmers, founder of Fashion Bomb Daily, stepped into the spotlight in a sculptural Christian Siriano Spring 2025 gown. The strapless silver number, with its sheer embroidered overlay and bold silhouette, floated gracefully as she moved. Metallic ankle-strap heels and a mirrored clutch completed the look—a nod to glamour with a modern edge.
More Than a Moment—A Movement
As the evening unfolded, it became clear that this wasn’t simply about red carpet fashion or award presentations. It was about community, legacy, and affirming the place of Black women at the heart of the music industry. Every detail, from the guest list to the menu, spoke to a collective commitment to representation and recognition.
The Black Women in Music Dinner wasn’t just an event—it was a declaration. It reminded attendees and observers alike that Black women are not only contributors to culture, but architects of it. With brilliance, resilience, and unshakable style, they continue to set the tone for what’s next.
As the night drew to a close, guests left inspired—not just by the fashion and the fanfare, but by the sense of purpose and sisterhood that anchored the evening. In a world that often sidelines the contributions of Black women, this night made sure their voices rang out—loud, proud, and beautifully harmonized.
In celebrating Black women in music, the Connie Orlando Foundation has sparked something lasting. This dinner was not just a gathering—it was the beginning of an annual tradition, and, more importantly, the amplification of a collective voice long overdue its standing ovation.
