Dyana Williams is a powerhouse whose voice has amplified Black music for over five decades. She co-founded what is now celebrated as African American Music Appreciation Month in 1979 alongside Kenny Gamble and Ed Wright. Her advocacy helped secure a White House proclamation and later co-authored House Concurrent Bill 509, officially recognizing the cultural and economic impact of Black music. Initially focused on soul, jazz, and R&B, the celebration now embraces a wide spectrum—from gospel and blues to hip-hop, Afrobeats, and electronic music. It reflects how Black music has shaped not only American culture but global soundscapes. Affectionately known as the Mother of Black Music Month. Williams is also the co-host of the John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival. She is a trailblazer, advocate, and cultural icon.
BROADCAST CAREER
Williams’ broadcasting career began in the early 1970s at WHUR-FM in Washington, D.C., where she captivated audiences as “Ebony Moonbeams.” She went on to break barriers as the first Afro-Latina woman rock DJ at WRQX-FM and became a beloved voice on stations like WBLS in New York and WDAS in Philadelphia. Her talents extended to television, where she served as a producer and on-camera contributor for P.M. Magazine, a reporter for BET, and a music consultant for The Soul of VH1. She’s also a recurring expert on TV One’s acclaimed series Unsung, offering rich commentary drawn from her deep industry knowledge.
ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT
As the founder and CEO of Influence Entertainment, Williams has coached a who’s who of artists—from Rihanna and Justin Bieber to Jazmine Sullivan and Meek Mill—helping them navigate media with confidence and authenticity. Her entrepreneurial spirit also shines through her work as a live event producer. She curates stages for Philadelphia’s Wawa Welcome America Festival and Camden, NJ’s Camden Jam, spotlighting regional talent and celebrating cultural heritage through music.
A founding board member of the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville, Williams continues to champion the legacy of Black music as both a cultural treasure and a global force. Her life’s work is a masterclass in advocacy, artistry, and amplification.
