UNCF Black & White Ball Returns to Celebrate 25 Years of Supporting Student Education

The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Chicago will host its milestone 25th Annual Black & White Ball on Saturday, June 14, 2025, signaling a renewed commitment to supporting minority education and student success. The event, returning to its classic black and white theme, represents a significant moment in the organization's 81-year history of providing critical educational support.

This year's gala will honor two exceptional contributors to educational advancement: Ariel Investments, receiving the 'A Mind Is...' Corporate Award, and Nadia Rawlinson, co-owner and operating chair of the Chicago Sky, who will be presented with the 'A Mind Is...' Trailblazer Award. These honorees exemplify the organization's mission of investing in students' futures and promoting educational equity.

Gala Chair Sherina Edwards, an alumna of Howard University and Spelman College, emphasized the event's importance in supporting the next generation of students. The fundraising goal is ambitious: to raise $1 million in scholarships, directly supporting students' educational journeys.

The event promises to be more than just a fundraiser, featuring entertainment by the R&B group After 7 and providing a festive atmosphere that celebrates educational opportunity. Guests are encouraged to wear formal attire in black and white, reflecting the event's traditional theme.

UNCF's impact is significant. From 2022 to 2023, the organization awarded 541 scholarships to students in Illinois alone. Nationally, UNCF supports over 60,000 students across more than 1,100 colleges and universities, playing a crucial role in minority education.

The Black & White Ball represents more than an elegant evening; it is a powerful statement about the importance of educational access and support for minority students. By raising funds and awareness, UNCF continues to challenge educational disparities and provide pathways to success for deserving students.