Living Legends Foundation Honors Visionaries at 35th Anniversary Gala

ATLANTA, GA, UNITED STATES, October 6, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- The Living Legends Foundation celebrated its 35th anniversary on a historic evening in Atlanta, honoring the visionaries behind Black music and entertainment. The event, held at Flourish by Legendary, brought together industry leaders, broadcasters, and entrepreneurs to reflect on the foundation’s significant contributions and future aspirations.

At the heart of the celebration was the Ray Harris Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to Louis Carr, President of BET, marking his 40th anniversary at the network. Carr’s acceptance speech highlighted the importance of preserving Black music history and ensuring the contributions of those who built the industry are not forgotten.

Phylicia Fant, Global Director of Black Music & Culture at Amazon Music, received the Mike Bernardo Female Executive Award, presented by Q. Parker, a founding member of 112. Fant’s speech challenged traditional definitions of success, emphasizing the importance of helping others along the way.

James McMillan, Esq., an entertainment attorney and CEO of ART@WAR Entertainment, received the Kendall Minter Entertainment Advocate Award. McMillan used his acceptance speech to call for greater investment in the executives working behind the music. He paid tribute to the late Kendall Minter, emphasizing the importance of intellect, ownership, and leadership.

Other honorees included Ted Lucas, Founder and CEO of Slip-N-Slide Records, who received the Hip-Hop Visionary Award, and Ralph McDaniels, creator of Video Music Box, who was honored with the Entrepreneur Award. Greg Street, the Atlanta radio icon, received the Frankie Crocker Radio Personality Award, and Kenny Smoov was honored with the Jerry Boulding Radio Executive Award.

The celebration also featured a range of influential voices from radio and media, including Steve Hegwood, owner of Streetz 94.5; Monica Barnes of The Steve Harvey Morning Show; Gary Wit Da Tea of The Rickey Smiley Morning Show; Jamal Ahmad of WCLK FM; and V-103’s Rick Caffey, Reggie Rouse, Francesca Amiker, Tori Starr, and Skye Butterfli.

The Living Legends Foundation’s 35th anniversary marked a significant milestone in the organization’s history, celebrating the executives, entrepreneurs, broadcasters, and advocates whose contributions have helped shape Black music and entertainment. The event underscored the foundation’s commitment to honoring the past, supporting industry professionals in the present, and investing in the next generation of leaders.