In a harmonious fusion of music, culture, and advocacy, yesterday marked a historic moment as Amazon MGM Studios, in collaboration with the Academy of Country Music, inaugurated ACM Awards week with a groundbreaking event: ‘I’m Just Me: A Charley Pride Celebration of Inclusion’ brunch. Nestled within the serene ambiance of the Omni PGA Frisco Resort in Frisco, TX, the private affair honored 16 exceptional individuals who have tirelessly championed diversity within the realm of Country Music.
Guided by the charismatic host and innovator, BRELAND, attendees were warmly welcomed into a realm of celebration and reflection. The event commenced with a captivating welcome reception, adorned with The Portrait Studio, where moments were immortalized through the lens of celebrity photographer Gladimir Gelin. As the afternoon unfolded, a poignant program, inspired by the enduring legacy of the illustrious Charley Pride, unfolded, weaving together narratives of resilience, progress, and unity.
BRELAND, both host and honoree, graced the occasion with his presence, paying tribute to the inaugural class of honorees present. Among them stood luminaries such as Alice Randall, Alicia Warwick, Armand Hutton, Dion Pride & Mrs. Rozene Pride, Kortney Toney, Reyna Roberts, Rissi Palmer, Shannon Sanders, The War and Treaty, Tiera Kennedy, Wendy Moten, and Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, each a beacon of diversity and inclusion within the tapestry of Country Music.
A poignant moment arose as honoree Shannon Sanders, Executive Director, Creative at BMI Nashville, and a distinguished 3-time Grammy-winning music producer, took to the stage to honor the indelible legacy of Charley Pride and his cherished family. In a heartfelt tribute, Pride’s son and widow, Dion Pride & Mrs. Rozene Pride, were acknowledged, evoking sentiments of pride and gratitude. Sanders remarked, “I want to thank everybody that came. It’s so nice to see the diversity here. I mean this is what we want in our world, right? And I just want to say my father would be so happy, would be so proud right now.”
The event was further illuminated by the illuminating remarks of Latasha Gillespie, Head of DEIA at Amazon MGM Studios, and Michelle Kammerer, Head of Country Music at Amazon Music, underscoring the collective commitment towards fostering a more inclusive and equitable landscape within Country Music and beyond.
As the inaugural ‘I’m Just Me: A Charley Pride Celebration of Inclusion’ brunch drew to a close, it left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all who attended. Through the power of music and community, a resounding message echoed forth—that diversity is not only celebrated but cherished as the very essence of harmony and progress within the vibrant tapestry of Country Music.
