On a warm June weekend in Beech Island, South Carolina, music, history and cultural pride converged at the “Say It Loud! I’m Black and I’m Proud!” Juneteenth Summit. Hosted by the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC), Primary Wave and the Universal Music Group Task Force for Meaningful Change, this exclusive event took place on the legendary estate of James Brown — a fitting tribute to the man whose anthems defined an era of resilience, empowerment and artistic innovation. With panel discussions, live performances and soul food tastings from Black-owned businesses, the summit served as both a commemoration and a call to action for the future of Black music and culture.

From Augusta Roots To Global Resonance: How James Brown Shaped A Movement Through Sound

A Weekend Of Reflection, Celebration And Cultural Legacy

The 2025 Juneteenth Summit was more than just a gathering — it was a living homage to the power of Black expression. Held on the sprawling grounds of James Brown’s estate, the event brought together 150 industry leaders, artists and cultural advocates from across the country. The location itself carried immense symbolism; situated just six miles from Brown’s childhood home in Augusta, Georgia, the venue stood as a testament to his rise from humble beginnings to global icon status.Guests arrived via luxury shuttles from Atlanta, setting the tone for a day steeped in reverence and revelry. Upon arrival, attendees were welcomed with guided tours of the late singer’s home, where echoes of his presence still lingered. The celebration unfolded with a curated blend of tradition and modernity — from a soul food barbecue featuring local Black-owned vendors to wine and beer tastings that highlighted contemporary Southern flavors. The atmosphere buzzed with conversations about legacy, ownership and the evolving landscape of Black music.As evening descended, the mood shifted toward reflection and dialogue. A powerful panel discussion convened leading voices in the music industry, including BMAC board member Naima Cochrane, Amazon Rotation’s Sierra Lever, UMG’s Jeff Harleston, artist manager Caron Veazey and Dr. Deanna Thomas, daughter of James Brown herself. The conversation spanned generations, touching on everything from intellectual property rights to the responsibility of artists in shaping social narratives.

James Brown’s Estate: A Living Monument To Black Excellence

Few places could encapsulate the spirit of Black excellence quite like James Brown’s estate. More than just a residence, it functioned as a physical embodiment of the artist’s relentless drive and unshakable identity. Within its walls, history whispered through every room — from the personal artifacts he kept close to the stories embedded in its very foundation. One particularly poignant detail shared during the event was the presence of slave shackles stored in Brown’s closet, a stark reminder of America’s painful past and a symbol of the progress achieved through perseverance.Stiggers, co-founder and CEO of BMAC, reflected on the significance of holding such an important event on Brown’s land. He noted how the Godfather of Soul had acquired 70 acres and a private jet near one of the most brutal plantations in the South — Redcliffe Plantation — long before reparations became part of national discourse. This act wasn’t just about wealth accumulation; it was a declaration of autonomy and self-determination. As Stiggers aptly put it, “Our survival, our excellence and our joy are a testament to the resilience of our people.”This sentiment resonated throughout the summit, reinforcing the idea that Black joy is not only a form of resistance but also a powerful statement of existence. By choosing this venue, organizers ensured that the event wasn’t merely a celebration of music but also a reclamation of space and narrative — one rooted in historical truth and forward-looking ambition.

The Business Behind The Beats: Lessons From James Brown’s Entrepreneurial Mindset

James Brown wasn’t just a musical innovator; he was a visionary when it came to understanding the business side of artistry. During the panel discussion, Dr. Deanna Thomas offered a revealing glimpse into her father’s philosophy, sharing a piece of advice that continues to resonate with creators today: “Never sell.” She explained how Brown approached music not just as performance, but as intellectual capital. His mantra — “It’s not ‘show business,’ it’s ‘show and business’” — emphasized the importance of retaining control over one’s work.Brown understood that 75% of success lay in the business side of the equation. Without a formal education, he grasped the nuances of contract negotiations, publishing rights and brand management long before these topics became mainstream concerns for emerging artists. His approach laid the groundwork for modern musicians like Bad Bunny, who has famously retained ownership of his masters — a decision praised by UMG’s Jeff Harleston as a model of empowerment.In an industry historically rife with exploitation, Brown’s foresight serves as a blueprint for independent artists seeking to navigate complex legal and financial landscapes. His legacy reminds us that true creative freedom comes not just from talent, but from strategic ownership and business acumen.

The Evolving Landscape Of Black Music: Opportunities And Challenges In A Fragmented Industry

While James Brown’s influence remains timeless, the music industry has undergone seismic shifts since his heyday. Panelist Sierra Lever pointed out that today’s artists often lack exposure to the collaborative ethos that once defined the genre. She cited J. Cole’s partnership with Lil Durk as an example of cross-genre collaboration that introduces new audiences to different messages and responsibilities within the music ecosystem.However, fragmentation presents both opportunities and obstacles. Caron Veazey observed that the absence of a single dominant platform makes it increasingly difficult for meaningful music to break through the noise. Unlike the days when radio or television dictated trends, today’s artists must navigate a digital maze of streaming services, social media algorithms and niche communities.Naima Cochrane echoed this complexity, emphasizing that Black music is not a monolith. Genres have evolved, hybridized and diversified beyond traditional categorization. This evolution demands adaptability from both artists and executives, requiring a deeper understanding of shifting consumer behaviors and cultural dynamics. For the industry to thrive, there must be continuous learning, collaboration and a willingness to embrace change without losing sight of foundational values.

Preserving Heritage While Pioneering The Future: Sustaining The Legacy Of Black Music

The 2025 Juneteenth Summit was not only a celebration of past achievements but also a rallying point for future progress. Organizations like BMAC, Universal Music Group’s Global Impact team and Billboard played pivotal roles in ensuring that the event honored both history and innovation. Their collective efforts underscored the importance of institutional support in sustaining Black music’s legacy while fostering new voices.Donna Grecco of Primary Wave captured the essence of the summit when she described James Brown as “a larger-than-life icon; a trailblazer for Black artist entrepreneurship in the business of music.” Her words reinforced the notion that honoring the past means actively investing in the structures that allow emerging artists to flourish.As the night drew to a close, performances by Mali Wilson, Buddy Harris (T.I.’s son) and Tiffany Evans brought the house down, proving that the spirit of Black music remains vibrant and ever-evolving. From gospel roots to hip-hop innovations, the summit reaffirmed that Black music isn’t just entertainment — it’s a force of cultural preservation, political expression and communal healing.Through events like this, the message becomes clear: the legacy of Black music is not static. It lives on through every note sung, every deal negotiated and every story told — continuing to inspire generations yet to come.