Written by | Ray Cornelius
It was all about the glitz and glamour of the 1920s last night at the 5th Annual Gentlemen’s Ball. The fundraising event was presented by The Gentlemen Foundation and was held at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis.
The Gentlemen’s Ball was created by Juan and Gee Session-Smalls to celebrate the accomplishments of Gay, Bisexual + Transgender men of color who have significantly contributed to enhancing the quality of life of the minority LGBTQ community and who have demonstrated a commitment to social change.
This year’s honorees included Devin B. Ford (Gentleman of Promise), Neo Sandja (Gentleman of Service), Darian Aaron (Gentleman of Excellence) and Sen. Vincent Fort (Gentleman of Alliance), who presented The Gentlemen Foundation with a proclamation. Other honorees included former “Love and Hip Hop Hollywood” star and openly gay hip hop artist Milan Christopher (winner of Gentleman of Artistry) and Bishop O.C. Allen (Gentleman of the Year), who was appointed by President Barack Obama to be on the Advisory Council for HIV/AIDS.
This year’s theme was centered on “The Harlem Renaissance” and featured live entertainment by vocalist Mia LaQuan, dazzling casino tables and signature cocktails. Celebrity attendees included YouTube sensation Gary Lavard (“About Him”), “Love and Hip Hop Atlanta” divas Mimi Faust and Ariane Davis, award winning television producer and reality TV czar Carlos King and “R&B Diva” Monifah, who closed out the ball with a medley of her hits.
The evening was also hosted by community activist Darnell L. Moore (Mic.com) and television personality and actor Miss Lawrence, who will be starring in Lee Daniels‘ new series “STAR.” Highlights of the ball included the organization’s first scholarship presentation to Morehouse College’s Safe Space Organization for LGBTQ students. There was also a moving musical tribute to the Orlando Pulse victims performed by one of the survivors—Joshua Lewis.
Check out more photos from The Gentlemen’s Ball below:
GB’s hosts Miss Lawrence and Darnell L. Moore
Juan and Gee Session-Smalls
Gary Lavard
Devin B. Ford
Senator Vincent Ford
The cast from the musical “THE DINGALOGUES“
Carlos King and April Love
Joshua Lewis
Milan Christopher
Bishop O.C. Allen
Monifah
Photo Credits: RayCornelius.com