Kim Fields, Chris Tucker, Kelly Price celebrate at Mayor's Masked Ball
By Jennifer Brett
Jan 4, 2016
Comedian Chris Tucker, actress Kim Fields, recording artist Demetria McKinney, actor Stephan James, R&B singer Kelly Price, actress Cocoa Brown, comedian George Wallace, filmmaker Roger M. Bobb and NBA Hall of Famer and former Atlanta Hawks player Dikembe Mutombo were among the notable guests at the 32nd annual Mayor's Masked Ball.
Former UN Ambassador and Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young and Carolyn Young enter the ball.
The annual event benefiting the United Negro CollegeFund is a highlight of every holiday season and this past event, held Dec. 19 at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis downtown,wasone for the record books. Hosted by Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed alongwith UNCF President and CEO Michael L. Lomax and Executive VicePresident Maurice E. Jenkins,the gala raised $1.1 million, exceeding its goal.
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed with Sarah Elizabeth Reed at the 32nd Annual UNCF Mayor's Masked Ball Atlanta at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. Photo: Quinn Hood Writer:
Honorary co-chairs Shan Cooper,Lockheed Martin vice president andgeneral manager of the Marietta facility;and Jack Sawyer,president of the Southeastern Region of Wilmington Trust's WealthAdvisory group,welcomed more than 1,500 guests to the elegantblack-tie event sponsored by Coca-Cola,Delta Air Lines,AtlantaMarriott Marquis,UPS and others.
"I strongly believe (historically black colleges and universities)are vital in preparing the next generation of African-Americanbusiness owners,attorneys,doctors,artists and civic leaders,andI am honored that through our annual UNCF Mayor's MaskedBall,weare able to help fund the education of thousands of studentsmatriculating at the Atlanta University Center," Reed said in astatement. "This year's gala was truly a night to remember,and Ithank the UNCF for their unwavering commitment to our nation'sfuture leaders."
Honored with the UNCF 2015 M.A.S.K.E.D. (Mankind Assisting StudentsKindle Educational Dreams) Award were Walter Dukes,retired GeorgiaPower senior vice president,Carlton E. Brown,president emeritusof Clark Atlanta University,and Beverly Daniel Tatum,presidentemerita of Spelman College.
The event surpassed its fundraising goal. Photo: Quinn Hood
Over the past eight years,the event has raised nearly $10 millionto support the 60,000 students at UNCF's 37 member schools, including Clark Atlanta University,the InterdenominationalTheological Center,Morehouse College and Spelman College.
"The multiyear partnership and support from Mayor Reed and thecontributions of time and treasure from sponsors,volunteers andattendees made this 32nd annual Mayor's Masked Ball the smashingsuccess that it was," Lomax said in a statement. "That support is a generous helping hand for deserving young menand women and a wise investment in better futures for our students, and,through their success,for all of us."
Johnny Gill performed at the pre-function reception for patrons. Photo: Quinn Hood
