Brian McKnight and The Black Academy of Arts and Letters

Born in Buffalo, NY, Brian McKnight is a multi-instrumentalist, selling over 25M albums globally. Known for "Anytime" and "Back at One," he's collaborated with artists like Quincy Jones, Mariah Carey, and Justin Timberlake. McKnight's awards include Grammys, AMAs, and Billboard Songwriter of the Year.

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.