Written by | Ray Cornelius
Tony winning-Broadway director Kenny Leon hosted his annual Celebrity Gala Saturday night at Atlanta’s Millennium Gate Museum in Atlantic Station. The invitation only fundraiser is Leon’s signature event that raises money for his beloved August Wilson Monologue Competition. Each spring, hundreds of drama students around the country compete for scholarships and a chance to perform Wilson’s classic works at the national finals in New York City.
Tichina Arnold and Gala attendees
A number of Leon’s celebrity friends along with other Atlanta tastemakers and influencers were in attendance to support the cause including “Survivor’s Remorse” actress Tichina Arnold, TV/Film and Broadway actress Jasmine Guy, political commentator Roland Martin, actor and reality star Flex Alexander, BronzeLens Film Festival creator Kathleen Bertrand, “Living Single” alum T.C. Carson, TV/film star Leon and “Colony” actor Tory Kittles.
Elijah Kelley and Flex Alexander
Also spotted were “The Wiz Live”actors Shanice Williams and Elijah Kelley, HGTV personality Egypt Sherrod, “A Diffferent World” alum Glen Turman, NBA legend Julius “Dr. J” Erving, veteran actor Earl Billings, comedienne Myra J, singer D. Woods, reality star Althea “Thi Thi” Heart, “Saints and Sinners” actress Dawn HalfKenny, stars of OWN’s “The Haves and the Have Nots” Crystal Fox and Danielle Deadwyler and “Match Made In Heaven” bachelor Stevie Baggs.
Versatile actress, producer and director Terri J. Vaughn served as one of this year’s Gala Chairs along with Atlanta business women Noni Ellison and Charmaine Ward. Media personality Frank Ski served as the evening’s host.
Check out all of the photos below and click here to donate:
Charmaine Ward and Egypt Sherrod with Mr. and Mrs. Clark
T.C. Carson
Crystal Fox and Daniel Deadwyler
Actors – E. Roger Mitchell, John Beasley and Skeeter Williams
Terri J. Vaughn
Leon and daughter Noelle Robinson
Charmaine Ward with Remy Toh and guest
“The Wiz Live” stars Shanice Williams and Elijah Kelley
Dawn Halfkenny (red) and guest along with Satchel Jester and Stevie Baggs
Kathleen Bertrand and Myra J.
The Kenny Leon Celebrity Gala featured a lively auction
Gala Chairs Charmaine Ward, Terri J. Vaughn and Noni Ellison
Tirrell D. Whittley – CEO of Liquid Soul
Holly Firfer – Board President of Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company
Kenny Leon
Kenny Leon with Dr. J and Glynn Turman
Students from the “August Wilson Monologue Competition”
Julius “Dr. J” Erving with Gala Chair Charmaine Ward
Media Personality Frank Ski
Flex Alexander with Althea “Thi Thi” Heart
Roland Martin
D. Woods with Justin Jordan and Gala attendee
Tory Kittles and guest
Photo Credits: RayCornelius.com