ACADEMY AWARD WINNER TARELL MCCRANEY SET TO RECEIVE “GENTLEMAN OF THE YEAR” AWARD BY THE GENTLEMEN'S FOUNDATION DURING EPIC GENTLEMEN'S BALL WEEKEND IN ATLANTA SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 1
Annual Ball will Feature Performance by Grammy Nominated Artist Kelly Price; Gentleman of Artistry Coriology & Gentlewoman of Artistry Tyra B Set To Perform Watch the video promo on The 6th Annual Gentlemen's Ball Media RSVP: http://smarturl.it/GentlemensBallWknd17
The Gentlemen’s Foundation is pleased to announce a stellar list of honorees and entertainers scheduled to take center stage during the 6th Annual Gentlemen’s Ball, Powered by UPS, 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30th, 2017 at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel. Originating in 2011, the black-tie gala ball and awards program celebrates the accomplishments of LGBTQ individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to social change through the enhancement of the quality of life within the minority LGBTQ community Under the theme, “We Are Royalty,” this year’s fundraising gala and celebration is the signature event of The Gentlemen’s Ball Weekend, September 29th through October 1st. The three days of programming are filled with activities for guests and allies to recharge and reimagine their lives. Empowering experiences include: a health & wellness fair, workshops on love, relationships and financial planning, along with parties, mixers and socials before and after the ball. An awards program recognizing the nation’s best and brightest LGBTQ creatives, thought leaders, social influencers and change agents of color takes place during the Gentlemen’s Ball. Amongst the 2017 honorees include Academy Award Winner Tarrell McCraney (“Moonlight”). Grammy nominated artist Kelly Price is set to perform at the 2017 ball. “Tarell McCraney’s courage to tell a story that explores the nuance of Black love in the context of one young man’s epic journey into manhood shifts African American culture forward,” says Juan and Gee Smalls, co-founders of The Gentlemen’s Foundation. McCraney received the 2017 Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for his contribution to the year’s Best Picture ‘Moonlight.’ Miss Lawrence and Derek Jae will each receive special distinction as Community Trailblazers for raising the visibility of those who are non-gender conforming and their longstanding commitment to service and civic engagement within the LGBT community. Other honorees and entertainers featured during this year’s fundraising gala that supports scholarships and initiatives that promote the holistic health and wellness of gay, bisexual and trans men of color include:
Gentlewoman of Promise Amiyah Scott, Actress, FOX hit “STAR”
Gentlemen of Promise Julian Walker, Actor, “Being Mary Jane,” Patrik Ian Polk’s “Blackbird”
Gentlewoman of Service Darlene Hudson, Community Organizer and Co-Founder of
The Bayard Rustin-Audre Lorde Breakfast, State of Black Gay America Summit and Southern Unity Movement
Gentlemen of Service Charles Stephens, Writer/Creator of The Counter Narrative Project
Gentlewoman of Excellence Melissa Scott, President/CEO TRAXX Girls, Inc.
Gentlemen of Excellence Jack Mizrahi, MC “The Voice of the Ballroom Scene”
Gentlewoman of Artistry Tyra B, Singer, Songwriter and Dancer
Gentlemen of Artistry Coriology, R&B Vocalist and Musician
Gentlewoman of Alliance Sharon Lettman-Hicks, Executive Director/CEO National Black Justice Coalition
Gentlemen of Alliance Chief Joel G. Baker, City of Atlanta Fire Rescue Department
Gentlewoman of The Year Tracee McDaniel, founder of Juxtaposed Center for Transformation
DJ Toni serves as the house DJ throughout the evening
Event hosts include comedians Tammy Peay and Sampson McCormick
PURCHASE TICKETS TO THE GENTLEMEN'S BALL
The Gentlemen's Foundation Co-Founders, Juan and Gee Smalls
WATCH A RECAP FROM THE 2015 GENTLEMEN'S BALL