Xavier University of Louisiana was awarded $10,000 from the Recording Academy’s Black Music Collective (BMC) and Amazon Music for student musical equipment. The funds will be used to assist Xaverites whose musical equipment was damaged or destroyed during Hurricane Ida. 

"Fostering opportunities for aspiring Black music professionals is one of the BMC and Recording Academy's most urgent priorities," said Valeisha Butterfield Jones, Co-President of the Recording Academy. 

"Partnering with Amazon Music to award donations for music equipment to music programs on Historically Black College and University campuses affected by Hurricane Ida is the latest action in our commitment to invest in the next generation of Black music leaders.” 

The BMC and Amazon Music partnership has implemented several initiatives in support of aspiring Black music professionals studying at HBCUs. 

"With this donation, Amazon Music and the Recording Academy are coming together to support the music departments at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, which are vital to developing the next generation of Black musicians," said Ryan Redington, Vice President of Amazon Music. "Hurricane Ida has made this school year even more challenging for universities across Louisiana.” 

The Recording Academy's Black Music Collective is a group of prominent Black music creators and professionals who share the common goal of amplifying Black voices within the Academy and the music community. For more information on the Black Music Collective, visit here.