In 2023, the Academy has introduced the following programs and initiatives serving underrepresented groups.
DEI’s DREAM (Diversity Reimagined by Engaging All Musicmakers) Initiative: Spotlights cultural contributions of creators and implements member resource groups around eight priority groups.
Women in the Mix – To build a community for all women and increase representation with the Recording Academy and in the music industry.
Black Music Collective – Dedicated to the inclusion, recognition, and advancement of Black music and its creators and professionals.
GRAMMYs Next Gen – Supports and empowers the next generation of music creators and professionals.
Academy Proud – Positions the GRAMMY Organization as the LGBTQIA+ inclusion leader for our members and the music community at-large.
Gold Music Alliance – Fosters meaningful connections and elevates the impact of Pan-Asian members and allies within the GRAMMY Organization and the music industry.
Crear Musica (Latino/x) – Celebrates the Latino culture, develops members and positively impacts the music community.
Indigenous People Network – Develops a global community contributing to the preservation and honoring of Indigenous people and their traditions in music.
Disability + Accessibility Network – A commitment beyond compliance by achieving true accessibility for everyone in our music community.
DEI Listening Sessions: Listening Sessions for underrepresented music communities such as Creators of African Music, Jewish Music Creators, leaders in Indigenous Music, Dance + Electronic, Latin Music Community, Opera and independent creators
Scholarship Programs:
Currently in year three of the Black Music Collective X Amazon Music “Your Future is Now” scholarship that awards 5 currently enrolled HBCU students $10,000 as well as music equipment grants to two HBCUs.
Currently in year two of the Quinn Coleman Scholarship program which gives five students from across the country a scholarship as well as a Recording Academy internship.
Girls Make Beats:
Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. received the “Champion Ally Award” at the Girls Make Beats Fundraising Gala. He was recognized for his work fostering an inclusive and supportive music community.
Rico Love stopped by the Girls Make Beats studio to present “Song Creation w/ Rico Love”, a masterclass to up and coming producers.
White House Juneteenth Jubilee: On June 13, the White House held a Juneteenth Concert on Tuesday, June 13 to celebrate community, culture and music. With help from the Black Music Collective, Leadership Council Member Ledisi performed on this historic day along with Jennifer Hudson and many more.
Black Jewish Entertainment Alliance: Collaborated with the Black Jewish Entertainment Alliance to present panel discussions in Los Angeles and New York commemorating the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop. The panel discussions aimed to honor and celebrate Hip Hop while acknowledging the profound cultural collaboration between Black and Jewish leaders within the industry.
Vice President Kamala Harris’ 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop event: The Black Music Collective partnered with VP Harris on her first ever celebration of Hip Hop at her residence in Washington, DC. This historic event featured artists such as Lil Wayne, MC Lyte, Fat Joe, Remy Ma, Doug E. Fresh, Slick Rick, Jeezy and more.
5X5 Block Party Series: The Recording Academy's Black Music Collective partnered with ITSALLBLACKMUSIC as they hosted five free block parties that will take place across all five boroughs in New York, celebrating the 50-year legacy of hip hop this August. Longtime teacher, cultural leader, and hip-hop icon KRS One will collaborate with the city as well to help curate and perform at the block parties.
2023 Recording Academy Honors presented by the Black Music Collective: Kicking off the Recording Academy’s celebration of Hip Hop, the official GRAMMY Week event honored Missy Elliott, Lil Wayne, Sylvia Rhone and Dr. Dre.
Indigenous Peoples Day Event: The DEI team hosted a conversation with the cast and crew of Reservation Dogs to discuss the Indigenous community and their music. Hosted by Recording Academy’s EVP of Communications, Sean Smith.
GLAAD Spirit Day Concert: For the first time ever, GLAAD linked arms with Live Nation and the Recording Academy to present an expanded Spirit Day Concert in Los Angeles — hosted by Frankie Grande, and featured an exciting lineup of A-list performers and emerging young musicians. Corporate leaders, celebrities, athletes, and influencers united to take a stand against LGBTQ youth bullying and provide a possibility model for the next generation to explore, learn, and grow into a future filled with #empathy and #kindness.