UNCF's Atlanta Gala Raises Record £4M for Black Colleges and Students
The 42nd annual UNCF Atlanta Mayor's Masked Ball raised a record-breaking £4 million for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Held in Atlanta, the gala drew prominent figures from politics, business, and entertainment to support education funding. The event highlighted the long-standing mission of UNCF, which has backed students since 1944.
The black-tie affair took place with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and UNCF president Dr. Michael L. Lomax as hosts. Actor and HBCU alumnus Anthony Anderson led the evening as emcee, while Grammy-nominated group En Vogue delivered a live performance.
Proceeds from the ball will fund scholarships and operational costs for UNCF's 37 member HBCUs—all founded before 1944, with the newest, Dillard University, established in 1930. The organisation also aids students at over 600 other institutions nationwide. Norfolk Southern served as the title sponsor, with major backing from Chick-fil-A, Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines, Google, The Home Depot, and UPS. During the event, Dr. David A. Thomas received the Billye Suber Aaron MASKED Award for his contributions to higher education. Since its founding, UNCF has raised more than £6 billion and now awards over 11,000 scholarships each year. Past attendees and supporters include former mayors, elected officials, and corporate leaders committed to advancing educational opportunities.
The £4 million raised will directly assist HBCU students and institutions facing financial challenges. UNCF's ongoing work continues to expand access to higher education for thousands each year. The event reinforced the organisation's role in sustaining Black academic excellence.
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