UNCF Raises $4 Million at 41st Mayor’s Masked Ball in Atlanta

The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) hosted its 41st annual Mayor’s Masked Ball in Atlanta, celebrating an evening of elegance, community, and purpose. The glamorous event raised an impressive $4 million to support students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), reinforcing UNCF’s long-standing commitment to advancing education for African American youth.

An Evening of Elegance and Generosity

On December 21, the Signia Hotel in Atlanta transformed into a dazzling venue for over 2,000 distinguished guests, all united by a shared mission. Themed “A Night of Elegance and Generosity,” the event underscored UNCF’s dedication to empowering future generations of Black leaders.

Actor Anthony Anderson, a proud Howard University alumnus, hosted the evening, adding humor and charm. Musical icons Big Boi and Charlie Wilson brought the crowd to its feet, blending entertainment with philanthropy. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens joined the festivities, reinforcing the city’s role as a hub for Black excellence and education.

Milestones of UNCF’s Impact

With 80 years of service, UNCF has become a cornerstone for African American students pursuing higher education. The organization’s president and CEO, Dr. Michael Lomax, reflected on its enduring impact:

• $6 billion raised over eight decades to support HBCU students.
• 600,000 students assisted in achieving their academic goals.
• $4 billion raised during Lomax’s 20-year tenure, including $1 billion in the last four years alone.

“We’re helping more students than ever before,” Lomax shared, adding that HBCUs are gaining increasing recognition and popularity.

Honoring Black Excellence and Community

The ball honored Nicole “Nikki” Loftin, president of Social Impact and the UPS Foundation, for her contributions to community upliftment. Corporate sponsors, including Norfolk Southern, Coca-Cola, Chick-fil-A, and Delta Airlines, played key roles in ensuring the event’s success.

With Atlanta home to five prominent HBCUs—Spelman College, Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University, Morris Brown College, and Morehouse School of Medicine—the city’s businesses and institutions showcased their continued commitment to fostering Black education.

Why the Masked Ball Matters

Beyond the glitz and glamour, the Mayor’s Masked Ball is a lifeline for HBCU students and institutions. As UNCF Assistant Vice President Justine Boyd aptly put it, “The Mayor’s Masked Ball is more than an evening of elegance – it’s a beacon of hope for the countless students striving to achieve their dreams.”

The funds raised will provide scholarships, resources, and opportunities, ensuring that the legacy of HBCUs remains strong. Events like these remind attendees of UNCF’s timeless motto: “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”