Anthony Hamilton and The Black Academy of Arts and Letters

Anthony Hamilton, born in Charlotte, NC, is known for his rugged yet graceful R&B voice. After early career struggles, he broke through with "Comin' from Where I'm From" in 2003. Hamilton's notable collaborations include Al Green, with whom he won a Grammy for "You've Got the Love I Need." His hits like "Charlene" and albums "Back to Love" and "What I'm Feelin'" earned Grammy nods. He's collaborated with artists like Babyface and Nas, and founded the My Music Box label for his 2021 album "Love Is the New Black."

The Black Academy of Arts and Letters (TBAAL), established in Dallas, Texas, in 1977 by Curtis King, is a cultural organization dedicated to supporting African Americans in the visual and performing arts. It fosters understanding of African, African-American, and Caribbean arts and letters. TBAAL preserves and promotes Black art and culture, offering a platform for diverse artistic expression. The organization was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 2015.