On November 18th, 2024, the Gracie Mansion Conservancy (GMC), a private not-for-profit corporation established in 1981 to preserve, maintain and enhance Gracie Mansion, hosted their annual Gracie Mansion Conservancy Gala in New York City.
This year’s gala celebrated Black excellence by recognizing the following changemakers for their achievements and public service: President of the Ford Foundation, Darren Walker, President and CEO of the National Urban League, Marc H. Morial, and New York Times bestselling author and co-host of “CBS Saturday Morning,” Michelle Miller.
Notably, each of the honorees were presented with the distinguished Key to the City by New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
The guests enjoyed a delicious meal from Harlem’s own Melba’s restaurant, cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres, and then a tour of the historic Gracie Mansion. Afterwards, guests were escorted to their seats in the ballroom, and treated to an enthralling performance from award-winning pianist Howard Watkins.
Next, award-winning journalist and Senior Vice President at The Grio, Natasha Alford, introduced the Bella Voce Choir from Celia High School of Performing Arts, who performed beautiful renditions of the “National Anthem,” “Black National Anthem,” and Mary Mary’s “Shackles (Praise You).” Following the choir’s performance, Camille Joseph Varlack, Chief of Staff to the Mayor and Chair of the Gracie Mansion Conservancy Board of Directors, introduced New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who delivered remarks.
The honorees were presented with the distinguished Key to the City by Mayor Adams. Director of Public Engagement of the Gracie Mansion Conservancy, Chioma Ohakam recited the “Black Excellence Poem,” before Executive Director of the Gracie Mansion Conservancy, Rhonda Binda introduced Sarah Carroll, Chair & Commissioner, New York City Landmarks Preservation, Treasurer of GMC and Laurie Cumbo, Commissioner, New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, who conducted a live art auction.
Following the auction, vocalist and actress Camille Capers performed soulful renditions of “When You Believe,” from the official soundtrack for The Prince of Egypt and “Bigger” by Beyoncé.
The program concluded with a champagne toast from Sue Donoghue, Commissioner, New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, Secretary of GMC, before guests proceeded to the foyer for the afterparty.
Additional notable attendees included former Editor-in-Chief of Essence Magazine Susan L. Taylor, Executive Producer Susan Fales Hill and philanthropist and author Jean Shafiroff.
Photo credit: By Soul Brother for the Gracie Mansion Conservancy.
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