The music industry would not be where it is without contributions from Black women.
That was the message Tina Knowles shared at the Black Women in Music Dinner, presented by The Connie Orlando Foundation.
Knowles joined a parade of celebrities on the red carpet Friday, June 12 at the Audrey Irmas Pavilion in Los Angeles.
The event brought together industry insiders to celebrate Black women who have “set a new standard for success” in music.
Knowles is an author, philanthropist and fashion designer, whose daughter Beyoncé Knowles rose to fame as a member of Destiny’s Child alongside Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams.
She was at the dinner to present Rowland with the Velvet Guard Award for her role in “uplifting and protecting the legacy of Black women in the industry.”
“Kelly has had many contributions to the music business. She’s a beautiful songstress, a great writer, a great performer, and has accomplished so much throughout her career,” Knowles told Urban Hollywood 411.
She said Rowland has remained grounded after spending decades in the spotlight.
“It’s one thing to have super talent, which she does, but she also balances that with just being a good person, so I’m delighted to be here giving her this award,” said Knowles.
Knowles noted that Black women helped build the foundation of American music.
“From the very beginning, we are at the forefront for sure and every day is some new artist that’s coming out, that’s just super talented and super fly,” she said. “We helped to make music what it is.”
Rowland told Urban Hollywood 411 she was “honored” to be recognized.
The Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, actress, and former X Factor UK judge said she’s grateful television executive Connie Orlando chose to acknowledge her work.
“I love Connie. I love the way she represents Black women, period — her hard work, her drive. The fact that she’s created this beautiful space for us to celebrate each other, I’m honored,” Rowland said.
Orlando is executive vice president of specials, music programming and music strategy at BET, and serves as one of the executive producers of the 2026 BET Awards.
She said recognizing the achievements of Black women in music is close to her heart.
“This has always been a dream of mine to start this foundation and just to see how people are coming out in support of it, how people believe in it, it just has my heart full,” Orlando shared.
The night’s other honorees included music legend Chaka Khan, who received the Vanguard Award. Record executive Natina Nimene was presented with the New Guard Award, and acclaimed choreographer Fatima Robinson received the Guardian of Vision Award.
Robinson’s credits include choreographing dance sequences in the films Save the Last Dance, Dreamgirls and The Cheetah Girls: One World. She is perhaps best known for her work on the music video for Michael Jackson’s 1992 single “Remember the Time.”
“I loved working with everyone from Michael to Aaliyah, to Beyoncé, people like Kendrick [Lamar], and Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg,” she said. “I have a good time with everyone.”
Robinson didn’t hesitate when asked if she had seen the Michael Jackson biopic Michael.
“Of course!” she said, adding that she can’t wait for the sequel.
Also recognized were Billboard editor-at-large for R&B/Hip-Hop, Gail Mitchell, and producer and audio engineer, Ebonie Smith. The two were given special spotlight honors at the event.
Below is video of the attendees on the red carpet:
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