An Evening of Impact, Purpose, and Legacy: My Experience at the UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball 2025

The UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball 2025 was not just a night of elegance—it was a celebration of legacy, excellence, and HBCU pride at its highest level.

As someone who attended an HBCU, this event hit home for me in a very personal way. HBCUs don’t just educate students—they produce leaders, visionaries, culture-shifters, and history-makers, often with far fewer resources but unmatched resilience. Organizations like UNCF don’t just support institutions; they protect a legacy that has shaped generations of Black and Brown excellence. Being in that room reminded me exactly why pouring back into our community is not optional—it’s a responsibility.

What made the evening even more powerful was seeing how many industry leaders showed up in full support of that mission. The room was filled with elected officials, corporate executives, entertainers, faith leaders, and entrepreneurs—people who understand that investing in education is one of the most strategic investments you can make in the future of this country. DJ Toni K @djtonikworld kept everyone in step and in tune, ATL style, as the event's official DJ

Conversations That Reflected Purpose and Power

I had the honor of interviewing several influential leaders whose commitment to community impact was evident not just in their words, but in their presence.

I spoke with Andre Dickens, Mayor of Atlanta, and asked him what events like the UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball mean to him. His response was simple yet powerful—impactful. He spoke about his belief in helping the next generation and the importance of creating pathways for young people to thrive through education and opportunity.

I also had the opportunity to speak with Keisha Lance Bottoms, who is currently running for Governor. Our conversation touched on leadership, service, and what it truly means to carry the responsibility of shaping policy that affects real families and real futures—especially in communities that have historically been overlooked.

With Nikema Williams, Congresswoman for Georgia, we discussed community impact and the power of grassroots efforts. She is a strong advocate for meeting people where they are and supporting initiatives that create sustainable, long-term change from the ground up.

I also spoke with Jamal Bryant and his wife, Karri Turner. Pastor Bryant shared his deep passion for helping youth and supporting HBCUs, emphasizing that education remains one of the most powerful tools for economic mobility and community transformation.

Culture, Celebration, and Collective Support

The evening was hosted by the incredibly talented Anthony Anderson, who brought the perfect balance of humor, authenticity, and heart to the night. His presence added cultural energy while still honoring the seriousness of the mission.

Beyond the stage, the event was a true who’s who of influence and support. The room included leaders and representatives from major corporations and institutions long known for supporting education and equity, including Delta Air Lines, The Home Depot, and The Coca-Cola Company, among many others. Seeing corporate power aligned with educational purpose was one of the night’s biggest conversation pieces—it showed what’s possible when resources and responsibility meet.

From the sophistication of the masked attire to the intentional conversations happening throughout the room, the atmosphere reflected unity, pride, and shared accountability. This wasn’t about optics—it was about action.

Why This Matters to Me

As a real estate broker and one of Georgia’s youngest brokers, I understand firsthand how access to education, mentorship, and opportunity can change the trajectory of an entire family. Many of the leaders shaping our communities today are HBCU graduates—and many of the leaders of tomorrow are depending on organizations like UNCF to open doors that might otherwise remain closed.

Events like the UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball matter because our children are the future, and the future deserves investment, intention, and belief. Supporting HBCUs is not just about honoring the past—it’s about securing what’s next.

That night was a reminder that when we come together—across industries, titles, and backgrounds—we don’t just celebrate excellence.

We build it.