More than just tuxedos and ball gowns, the African-American Ball highlights the culture of a community.
The annual event, held in Lexington since 1994, has grown into the largest African-American charity ball in the state.
“It’s the only African-American Ball of its kind in the (U.S.),†said Debbie Cole, vice president and event coordinator of the African-American Forum.
Cole said this year’s ball — in its 16th year — is more than just a dinner and a dance. Along with raising money, the event includes a fashion show, a silent auction, an art exhibit and a tribute to national artists like Bernie Mac.
“It caters to the social elements of the African American community,†Cole said.
The main purpose of the black-tie affair is to raise money for inner-city schools. Money collected at the fundraiser will go toward school trips to see plays and for art supplies. Cole said inner-city schools only get what is left unused of government funds for their programs.
The event is hosted by LEX18 news anchor Dia Davidson; the news station is one of the sponsors of the ball.
The African-American Ball is Saturday — during the third week of January as a salute to Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday — at the Lexington Center Bluegrass Ballrooms 1 and 2. It begins at 7:30 p.m. and continues until 2 a.m. Ticket prices start at $55.
In July we’ll be hosting the 1st annual Caucasian Ball. The proceeds will go to all of the exact same places. The differences will be in formality, this is a barbecue and not a black tie event. Another noticeable difference will be the general theme of the day. While the ball in today’s article “caters to the social elements of the African American community”, our barbecue will cater to the social elements common to all members of American society. Many of these elements are shared between both Caucasian and African American subcultures. However many of the days events are often openly considered “white”. There will be events centered around both Nascar and professional wrestling. We will have a “redneck” fashion show; and we will also be honoring the late great Bernie Mac.