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A constellation of celebrities and community leaders gathered this weekend at the 42nd annual UNCF Atlanta Mayor’s Masked Ball and after-party, hosted by Mayor Andre Dickens, to celebrate another year of excellence and impact in the city where the south truly “has something to say.”

Held at the Signia by Hilton, the star-studded evening featured actor Anthony Anderson as host and leadership from UNCF President & CEO Dr. Michael Lomax, Ph.D., as well as UNCF Assistant Vice President, Atlanta Regional Office, Justine Boyd.

The event also showcased Atlanta’s elite, including actors, attorneys, artists, executives, presidents, and philanthropists coming together to honor the city as a beacon of Black excellence.

The gala raised awareness of the benefits of a college education while supporting the students UNCF serves and highlighting the contributions of historically Black colleges and universities.

Attendees enjoyed an evening filled with glitz and glamour while helping advance UNCF’s mission of investing in better futures for young men and women moving to and through college.

The evening also featured some of the city’s finest dressed to the nines for the black-tie affair.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the MASKED Award to Dr. David A. Thomas, president emeritus of Morehouse College. This award recognized his extraordinary leadership and transformative impact on higher education.

During his speech, Dr. Thomas revealed that he originally wanted to attend an HBCU but couldn’t afford it. He later returned to Morehouse College as president emeritus in a full circle moment.

Entertainment included a special performance by legendary R&B group En Vogue, who wowed the crowd with their hits ranging from “My Lovin’” to “Free Your Mind.”

The night ended with Mayor Andre Dickens recapping the evening and hailing it as a night of tremendous impact. He expressed gratitude for raising over $4 million to support scholarships that will change students’ lives and their families’ futures.

“Atlanta continues to show what’s possible when a city comes together with purpose,” he stated on Instagram. “I’m genuinely grateful to every partner and every person who showed up and showed out for our students.”

Congrats to Mayor Dickens and UNCF on another successful Mayor’s Masked Ball!