The Black Business Association will honor gospel music legend Vicki Mack Lataillade at its Salute to Black Music Awards Dinner on Tuesday, June 18, at 7 p.m., at the California African American Museum.
Lataillade, the founder and owner of GospoCentric Records and B-Rite Music, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. Lisa Collins, publisher of L.A. Focus, will also be recognized with the Outstanding Gospel Publication Award and Byron J. Smith, president of National Association Negro Musicians, will be honored with the Outstanding Artistic Vision Award. Radio pioneer Lee Baily, founder of EURweb.com, will serve as emcee.
With a roster packed with major gospel stars, Lataillade has changed the face of gospel music. Her artists include Kirk Franklin, Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers, Kurt Carr, Byron Cage, Trin-i-tee 5:7, Kelly Price, David Hollister, Dorinda Clark Cole (B-Rite), Papa San, Gospel Gangsters and God’s Property (B-Right).
Based in Los Angeles, she also serves as president for 4Ground LLC and LillyMack Publishing. Previously, she worked nearly 10 years as head of Central South Distribution in Nashville.
“I am really honored to receive this award. For me, as a Black woman, you want to achieve certain things and I’ve been in business since I was a little girl. It’s a big honor to be in that category,” said Lataillade.
According to Earl “Skip” Cooper II, BBA president/CEO, “The Black Business Association honors gospel music as few events in history have been more compelling, convincing, or persuasive than gospel music. Some of the most beautiful music of all times was born out of intense grief and suffering and gospel music has provided spiritual sunshine on the darkest of days.”
The BBA, headquartered in Los Angeles, has been instrumental in the growth and development of thousands of African American businesses by providing information and service programs. Cooper said, “BBA assist companies and individuals move up the ladder of success.”
For tickets or sponsorship information for the awards dinner, call (323) 291-9334 or visit bbala.org.
