A constellation of celebrities and community leaders gathered this weekend at the 42nd annual UNCF Atlanta Mayor’s Masked Ball and after-party, hosted by Mayor Andre Dickens, to celebrate another year of excellence and impact in the city where the south truly “has something to say.”
Held at the Signia by Hilton, the star-studded evening featured actor Anthony Anderson as host and leadership from UNCF President & CEO Dr. Michael Lomax, Ph.D., as well as UNCF Assistant Vice President, Atlanta Regional Office, Justine Boyd.
The event also showcased Atlanta’s elite, including actors, attorneys, artists, executives, presidents, and philanthropists, coming together to honor the city as a beacon of Black excellence.
The gala, a premier fundraising event in Atlanta, raises awareness of the benefits of a college education, supports the students UNCF serves, and highlights the contributions of historically Black colleges and universities.
Attendees enjoyed an evening of glitz, glamour, and community celebration, all while helping advance UNCF’s mission of investing in better futures for young men and women moving to and through college.
It also featured some of the city’s finest dressed to the nines for the black-tie affair.
Seen on the scene during the fundraiser were T.I. and Tiny Harris, Dr. Heavenly Kimes…
the legendary Ambassador Andrew Young and his wife Carolyn Young…
Beyond The Gates star Brandon Claybon, who served as red carpet correspondent…
Karri Turner Bryant and Jamal Bryant…
and 2 Chainz and his wife, Kesha.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the MASKED Award to Dr. David A. Thomas, president emeritus of Morehouse College, in recognition of his extraordinary leadership and transformative impact on higher education.
During his speech, Dr. Thomas revealed that he originally wanted to attend the HBCU, but couldn’t afford it, but came back to the prestigious institute as president emeritus in a full circle moment.
Entertainment for the evening included a special performance by legendary R&B group En Vogue, who wowed the crowd with their hits ranging from “My Lovin’” to “Free Your Mind.”
The 2025 UNCF Atlanta Social Media Immersion Program Was Outfitted By Amazon
In addition to the notable celebs seen on the scene, the 2025 UNCF Atlanta Social Media Immersion Program cohort shone brightly at this year’s UNCF Atlanta Mayor’s Masked Ball.
The group stepped into their roles as social media correspondents and production assistants with style and professionalism, thanks to Amazon, which graciously sponsored most of their looks.
The cohort includes standout students from HBCUs, including Clark Atlanta University, Spelman College, Oakwood University, Pain College, and Morehouse College, along with graduates and UNCF National representatives, all supported by the guidance of Assistant Vice President Justine Norman Boyd and the UNCF staff and vendors who poured into their preparation over the past few weeks.
The stylish scholars also did an Amazon Fit Check, happily showcasing their looks for the prestigious evening.
After the night ended, Mayor Andre Dickens recapped the evening and hailed the 42nd Annual UNCF Atlanta Mayor’s Masked Ball as a night of tremendous impact.
“Thanks to your generosity, we raised over $4 million to support scholarships that will change the trajectory of students’ lives and their families’ futures,” he said on Instagram, calling the contributions “a visible investment in opportunity, access, and hope.”
He added;
“Atlanta continues to show what’s possible when a city comes together with purpose. I’m genuinely grateful to every partner and every person who showed up and showed out for our students.”
Congrats to Mayor Dickens and UNCF on another successful Mayor’s Masked Ball and after-party!
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