Brian McKnight and The Black Academy of Arts and Letters

Buffalo-born singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Brian McKnight has sold over 25 million albums worldwide. Known for hits like Back at One, he has earned numerous Grammy nominations and collaborated with top artists. Signed at 19, his acclaimed albums include Anytime and his self-titled debut.

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.