The walk of fame is a collaboration between the Georgia Entertainment Caucus and the Black American Music Association. Plans call for at least an annual – if not twice-yearly – ceremony to honor Black entertainment greatness with plaques installed along the sidewalk.

The inaugural class also included James Brown, Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Shirley Caesar, Missy Elliott, OutKast, Beyonce, Sean Combs, Kirk Franklin and Usher.

Kirk Franklin took to his Instagram page, expressing his gratitude:

Today was a good day. One of those “wish momma was here” kinda days. Beyond grateful. Thank you to @blackwalkoffame for this incredible induction. Thank you mayor @keishabottoms for being a part and showing my daughter what limitless possibilities looks like.
Jesus you’re the Dopest

Prior to the outdoor ceremony kicking off, the Pebblebrook High School marching band paraded down Martin Luther King Jr. Drive with a performance that introduced comments from state Rep. Erica Thomas

“We are going to see in the news that we are celebrating our Black history!” Michael Mauldin, chairman of the Black American Music Association

“This whole block and beyond will be lined for years to come.” and Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance-Bottoms, herself related to music royalty as the daughter of ’60s R&B singer Major Lance “Big Boi is here — my kids are going to be so excited about that,” she joked.