UNCF Chicago Celebrates 25th Annual Black & White Ball, Aims to Raise $1 Million for Scholarships
The United Negro College Fund's Chicago chapter will host its 25th Annual Black & White Ball, honoring Ariel Investments and Nadia Rawlinson while seeking to raise $1 million in scholarship funds for students.
The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Chicago will host its 25th Annual Black & White Ball on June 14, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the organization's commitment to educational equity. The event, returning to its traditional black and white theme, aims to raise $1 million to support scholarships for students pursuing higher education.
The gala will honor two exceptional individuals: financial firm Ariel Investments will receive the "A Mind Is..." Corporate Award, while Nadia Rawlinson, Co-owner and Operating Chair of the Chicago Sky, will be presented with the "A Mind Is..." Trailblazer Award. These honorees represent the organization's dedication to supporting educational opportunities for minority students.
Gala Chair Sherina Edwards, an alumna of Howard University and Spelman College, emphasized the event's importance. "Throughout its 81 years, UNCF-member schools have made a difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of students," Edwards stated.
The evening will feature entertainment by R&B group After 7 and promises an elegant atmosphere of purpose and celebration. From 2022 to 2023, UNCF awarded 541 scholarships to students in Illinois, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to educational access.
The event underscores UNCF's mission to invest in students' futures, particularly in supporting historically Black colleges and universities. By providing scholarships and support, the organization helps students not only enter but successfully graduate from college, addressing educational inequities and creating pathways to success.