LEGACY EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
The Legacy Culture & Music Tribute Awards Executive Council is entrusted with the responsibility of identifying and selecting individuals, groups, and organizations whose contributions have made a meaningful impact on music, culture, and the communities they have influenced.
The Council represents a collective of individuals bringing professional experience, cultural understanding, industry knowledge, historical perspective, and a commitment to recognizing contributions that have helped shape the legacy of music and culture.
The Council's role is not to determine who is the most popular or successful.
Its responsibility is to look beyond visibility and recognize the contribution, the impact, the investment, and the legacy.
The 2027 Executive Legacy Council currently consists of 10 instrumental partners.
MEET OUR LEGACY TEAM
MS. KIM CHAMPION
Entrepreneur • Producer • Author • Community Organizer • Cultural Visionary • Lyricist • Choreographer
Ms. Kim Champion is an entrepreneur, producer, author, community organizer, cultural visionary, lyricist, choreographer, rapper, and performer whose career spans Hip-Hop, music, dance, sports, entertainment, youth development, media, and live event production.
Her journey began during the early years of Hip-Hop as a lyricist, rapper, choreographer, and performer, becoming the first female rapper signed to Big Beat Records, founded by Craig Kallman. She later expanded her creative career into Hip-Hop dance and Electric Boogie, teaching, choreographing, performing, and touring during the early development of the culture.
Champion earned second place in the National Swatch Watch Breakdance Competition, marking an important achievement during the emergence of Hip-Hop dance on the national stage.
Swatch Watch National Breakdance Competition: Watch the video
Her dance career also included performing and choreographing with Julie Arenal in a New York dance presentation celebrating Hip-Hop, Electric Boogie, and New York culture. The performance, connected to the Statue of Liberty, was introduced by acclaimed actor Robert De Niro.
Statue of Liberty Dance Performance: Watch the video
Champion later transitioned from performer and choreographer to producer and entrepreneur, organizing more than 50 community and cultural events and creating platforms connecting sports, entertainment, and community.
She founded the National Street Basketball Association (NSBA) and developed its professional league, celebrating the history and cultural significance of street basketball. The NSBA professional league received a Congressional Proclamation from Congressman Charles B. Rangel.
The NSBA legacy includes Congressional Proclamation • Jill Nicolini / Channel 11 • NY1 • Streetball Legends • NSBA Pro Ball • Tournaments • Hall of Fame • Youth Programs • Media Archive.
NY1 Interview: Watch the video Channel 11 / Jill Nicolini Interview: [INSERT LINK]
Champion is also the founder of Creating Athletes for America Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting student-athletes ages 7–18 through sports, mentorship, leadership, academics, and community engagement.
As an author, her book Winning at Love by Ms. Kim Champion became an Amazon #1 bestseller in multiple categories.
Today, as Founder and Executive Producer of Champion Worldwide Corporation, Champion continues creating platforms that celebrate Sports • Music • Dance • Culture • Community • Legacy, culminating in the Legacy Culture & Music Tribute Awards™, honoring the pioneers, legends, innovators, and cultural contributors who helped shape American culture while inspiring the next generation.
BERNARDO "BERNIE" HERNANDEZ — "LUCKY CHARMS"
Basketball Executive • Streetball Leader • Talent Developer • Mentor • Educator • Community Leader
Bernardo "Bernie" Hernandez, widely known as "Lucky Charms," is a Bronx basketball and streetball executive, talent developer, mentor, educator, and community leader whose influence extends across basketball, streetball, hip-hop, music, youth development, and education.
Hernandez's foundation in competitive basketball began at the University of Texas at El Paso, where he competed collegiately from 1990 to 1993.
In 1998, Hernandez founded 1BALL — Bronx Athletic Learning League, developing it into a major Bronx men's streetball platform. For more than two decades, 1BALL brought together former collegiate players, semi-professional and professional athletes, and elite streetball talent, creating a respected stage for competition, exposure, entertainment, and community.
Hernandez became deeply established within the streetball community, hosting major Bronx competitions and training and mentoring numerous streetball players and legends, including prominent figures such as Predator and Headache.
In 2021, Hernandez transformed 1BALL into Building Athletic Learning Leaders, creating pathways for high school athletes to gain exposure through showcases, tournaments, practices, game footage, and digital media, connecting emerging talent with college and professional opportunities.
His leadership also extends into education and music. As a Beacon Program Director, Hernandez provides young people with athletic opportunities and access to facilities and programming. At his school, he built a full recording studio, giving students access to recording, music production, creativity, and self-expression.
As an Executive Council Member, Hernandez brings a unique combination of streetball credibility, basketball leadership, talent-development experience, education, mentorship, music, and youth engagement to the Legacy Culture & Music Tribute Awards.
MERCEDES HARRINGTON
Mercedes Harrington is a seasoned public relations and marketing professional with more than 25 years of experience in media relations, strategic communications, special events, artist promotion, community engagement, and brand development. Her career reflects a passion for connecting people, creating opportunities, and building relationships that bring ideas to life.
Harrington began her journey in journalism, writing for The Source, Amsterdam News, and Women’s National News. Her expertise in communications and media placement has helped secure visibility for artists and clients in prominent publications, including Vibe, Esquire, New York Magazine, and the New York Post.
Throughout her career, she has coordinated special events and public relations initiatives for organizations including Harlem Week, the AUDELCO Awards, Greek Fest, the United Negro College Fund, and Gospel Fest. She has also worked with renowned entertainers, including James Brown, George Clinton and the Funkadelic All-Stars, MC Hammer, and Cuba Gooding Sr., while consulting with leading music industry organizations and record labels.
Harrington’s professional experience extends to corporate sponsorships, nonprofit development, political communications, and community outreach. She has collaborated with major brands, supported emerging talent, and helped organizations strengthen their public image and community impact. Her international experience spans the United States, the Caribbean, Europe, Japan, Israel, and Cuba.
A dedicated advocate for community empowerment, Harrington founded the Hope 4U Foundation, an organization focused on helping young people develop through travel, communication, and life experiences.
She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Catawba College and a Master of Science in Education in Transformative Learning. Her honors include the Outstanding Community Service Award from Congressman Charles B. Rangel, recognizing her commitment to service, communication, and community advancement.
AL PIZARRO
Al Pizarro is a veteran music-industry executive, grassroots marketing strategist, and cultural advocate whose career spans independent music, major-label promotion, artist development, and Hip-Hop preservation.
A Bronx native, Pizarro was mentored by music-business pioneer Vito Bruno and influenced by industry leaders Sal Abbatiello and Vince Pellegrino. He built his expertise by connecting DJs, artists, producers, record companies, and the communities driving music culture.
Through S.U.R.E. Record Pool and later VIP Record Pool, Pizarro established influential platforms connecting hundreds of DJs with music, industry representatives, information, and opportunities. His networks helped break records associated with Sugar Hill, Enjoy, Sound of New York, and the emerging KRS-One and Scott La Rock movement.
Pizarro also helped unite competing record pools, creating large-scale DJ meetings that strengthened grassroots industry infrastructure.
His executive experience includes Death Row Records and promotional relationships with Interscope, Noo Trybe, Priority, Virgin, A&M, Island, and Ruff Ryders. His campaigns and industry work included DMX, Eve, Missy Elliott, Timbaland, Prince, Janet Jackson, Shaquille O'Neal, and others.
Through Heavy Rotation Promotions, founded with Buda Ces, and its street team The Aliens, he expanded his grassroots marketing influence.
His leadership extends to artist development, including early support of Judy Torres, Mickey Garcia, and Elvin Molina, and cultural preservation through Hip Hop Boulevard at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue, Hip Hop Boulevard Inc., and Bronx Hip Hop Day.
As a member of the Legacy Executive Council, Pizarro brings decades of music-industry knowledge, grassroots marketing experience, artist development, relationships, and cultural leadership to the mission of preserving and celebrating the legacy of Hip-Hop and music culture.
APRIL BULGER
April Bulger is a strategic event leader and operational executive with more than 26 years of experience delivering high-impact events across sports, entertainment, culture, and mission-driven organizations.
Her career began at the National Basketball Association, where she rose to the Commissioner's Office under legendary Commissioner David J. Stern. There, she helped plan and execute high-profile programming surrounding the NBA All-Star, NBA Finals, and NBA Draft.
Bulger managed multimillion-dollar budgets, negotiated contracts involving lodging, transportation, and merchandising, and coordinated executive programming for heads of state, corporate executives, and global dignitaries. Her work included reducing operational expenditures while maintaining the standards of the Commissioner's Office.
As Event Director for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Bulger generated $3.3 million in fundraising. She later founded Visionary Venture, contributing to landmark events for the National Urban League, NY Urban League, and Tribeca Film Festival. She delivered more than 40 events while achieving a 97% client satisfaction rate.
At OUTFRONT Media, Bulger led marketing, events, and client activations across internal and external initiatives, contributing to a 20% reduction in operational costs while maintaining a results-driven approach.
Across nonprofit, entertainment, media, sports, and executive environments, Bulger brings strategic vision, financial discipline, operational excellence, event expertise, and leadership.
As a member of the Legacy Executive Council, Bulger contributes her extensive event-production experience and understanding of large-scale sports, entertainment, cultural, and mission-driven programming to the Legacy Culture & Music Tribute Awards.
ANTHONY JOHNSON
Music Executive • A&R Professional • Talent Scout • Entertainment Strategist
Anthony Johnson is a highly recognized music-industry executive, A&R professional, talent scout, and entertainment strategist whose career reflects a deep commitment to discovering, developing, and advancing exceptional talent across hip-hop and contemporary music culture.
As CEO of 2 Johnson Entertainment, Johnson brings extensive experience and industry relationships to his work, with a career spanning major record labels and influential names in music.
His professional background includes serving as an A&R Talent Scout with Universal Music and Virgin Music, where he played a role in identifying emerging artists and connecting talent with opportunities for growth and development.
Throughout his career, Johnson has worked across a broad spectrum of the music business, with professional affiliations and experience involving Sony, Epic, Roc Nation, Republic, Warner Bros., Capitol, Atlantic, Def Jam, and other prominent music companies and entertainment platforms.
His industry work has included involvement with artists such as Obie Trice and Huey, further demonstrating his experience in talent identification and artist development.
Beyond his executive and A&R responsibilities, Johnson represents the knowledge, relationships, and cultural perspective that continue to shape the evolution of hip-hop.
As a member of the Legacy Executive Council, Johnson brings his experience in A&R, talent development, artist discovery, music-industry relationships, and entertainment strategy to the mission of recognizing and honoring the artists, executives, innovators, and cultural leaders whose contributions have helped build music culture.
J. JESSES SMITH
J. Jesses Smith is an accomplished filmmaker, director, producer, and music-video director whose career spans more than two decades across film, television, music, and visual media.
Known for his distinctive storytelling and cinematic approach, Smith has directed more than 150 music videos and has worked with some of the biggest names in hip-hop and R&B, including Tupac Shakur and the Outlawz, DMX, 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, Eve, Ashanti, Lil' Kim, The Wu-Tang Clan, Jadakiss, Kelly Rowland, Mos Def, Redman, Keith Sweat, Avant, and others.
Smith's directing credits include notable music videos such as DMX's "Ruff Ryders' Anthem" and "We Right Here," as well as projects connected to 50 Cent and other major recording artists. His creative relationship with 50 Cent extended beyond music videos into film, television, Internet programming, and commercial production.
Smith also made his mark as a feature-film director with Crime Partners, based on the work of acclaimed author Donald Goines and featuring an ensemble cast including Tyrin Turner, Clifton Powell, Snoop Dogg, Ice-T, Ja Rule, Laz Alonso, and Angie Martinez. His additional film and television credits include Before I Self Destruct, Breathe, I Do... I Did!, and The Gift, along with other independent productions.
Throughout his career, Smith has remained committed to creative storytelling and independent filmmaking. Today, he continues to expand his artistic vision as a producer, including producing Gospel music, bringing his extensive experience in film, music, and visual storytelling into a new chapter focused on inspirational and faith-based music.
As a member of the Legacy Executive Council, Smith brings extensive experience in filmmaking, music videos, artist collaboration, production, and visual storytelling to the mission of recognizing and preserving cultural legacy.