Over the weekend, the Gentlemen’s Foundation hosted their 6th Annual Gentlemen’s Ball powered by UPS at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel. Additionally, the black-tie gala ball and awards ceremony celebrated individuals within the LGBTQIA community who have been committed to social change and enhancement of the quality of life. Guests and honorees for this year’s ball included Tarell McCraney, Moonlight; Tracee McDaniel, founder of Juxtaposed Center for Transformation; Amiyah Scott, FOX’s “Star”; Charles Stephens, writer and creator of “The Counter Narrative Project”; Darlene Hudson, State of Black Gay America Summit and Southern Unity Movement; Julian Walker, BLACKBIRD, BET’s “Being Mary Jane”; Jack Mizrahi; Melissa Scott, VH1’s “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta”; chief Joel Baker, City of Atlanta Fire and Rescue Department; Sharon Lettman-Hicks, executive director and CEO of National Black Justice Coalition; Coriology; Tyra B; Derek J, “Real Housewives of Atlanta”; Miss Lawrence, FOX’s “Star”; Jussie Smollett, FOX”s “Empire”; Kelly Price; Bevy Smith “Radio Andy” on Sirius XM, and more.
This year’s event was themed “We Are Royalty” and was the signature fundraising event of the Gentlemen’s Ball weekend, which was held Sept. 29 through Oct. 1, 2017. We Are Royalty celebrated people of color identifying as LGBTQIA. The three days of programming were filled with activities for guests and allies to recharge and reimagine their lives. Empowering experiences included a health and wellness fair, workshops on love, relationships and financial planning, along with parties, mixers and socials before and after the ball. On Friday, Sept. 29, ball attendees were invited to two free panel discussions with tastemakers in the business and entertainment industries. Special panelists included Ryan Anderson (“SunTrust Bank”), Vaughn Alvarez (“CR8 Agency”), Gocha Hawkins (WE tv’s “LA Hair”), Melissa Scott (“Traxx Girls”), Lisa Cunningham and others.
See pictures below.
