By United Negro College Fund
United Nergo College Fund (UNCF) hosted its third annual Baltimore Masked Ball on Nov. 1 at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor, drawing over 200 guests and raising $200,000 to support scholarships for students attending Maryland’s historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
The evening celebration was attended by a diverse group of corporate leaders, local businesses and professional organizations. Civic leaders, entertainers, HBCU alumni, dignitaries, volunteers and friends of UNCF also attended to support UNCF’s mission of investing in better futures for HBCU students.
The funds raised provide critical financial assistance to students pursuing higher education at HBCUs in Maryland, aligning with UNCF’s mission to increase educational access and success for all students attending HBCUs.
According to UNCF’s 2024 HBCU Economic Impact Report, HBCUs in Maryland produce $1.2 billion in total economic impact, more than 10,000 jobs and $10.5 billion in lifetime earnings for 2021 graduates of the four HBCUs in the state: Bowie State University, Coppin State University, Morgan State University and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
The Baltimore Masked Ball event featured Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott as a special guest and included elegant dining, live entertainment and the presentation of the M.A.S.K.E.D. (Mankind Assisting Students Kindling Educational Dreams) Award, honoring individuals and organizations for their contributions to education and the community. Also, there was an elegant performance by the City Ballet of Maryland.
This year’s honorees were April Ryan, White House correspondent and Washington, D.C., bureau chief for Black Press USA; Dr. David Heiber, CEO of Redemption Social Solutions and Founder-Concentric Holdings Inc.; and Otis Rolley III, president and CEO of Baltimore Development Corp.
The honorary chairs were Dr. David Wilson, president, Morgan State University, and Dr. Anthony Jenkins, president, Coppin State University.
Co-chairs Michelle Huff Elliott, partner and co-founder at Strategic Heights Media and Vonnya Pettigrew, CEO, Root Branch Media Group were the event leads.
The event’s captivating and inspiring co-hosts this year were DJ QuickSilva, Radio host, TV personality and award-winning DJ and Lady T, Emmy-nominated TV host and FOX45’s BMORE Lifestyle anchor. Entertainment for the evening’s event was provided by performer and recording artist Joi Carter.
For 81 years, UNCF has strived to change the HBCU narrative across the nation by equipping more HBCU students with the resources necessary to transition into college, graduate and ultimately expand and diversify America’s highly educated workforce.
“UNCF is proud to continue the momentum of fueling HBCUs with vital resources to educate generations of students who will become future leaders in our nation,” said Dr. Michael L. Lomax, president and CEO, UNCF. “Thanks to the generous support and commitment of our donors, we are moving forward as we help students go to and through college and on to successful careers. We thank everyone in Baltimore that participated in the Baltimore Masked Ball to help ensure better futures for us all.”
UNCF is still accepting donations for the Baltimore Masked Ball. To learn more or to donate, please contact Tanya Sweeney, area development director, 202.810.0182 and tanya.sweeney@uncf.org.
About UNCF
UNCF is one of the nation’s largest and most effective supporters of higher education and serves as a leading advocate for college-bound students. Since its founding in 1944, UNCF has raised more than $6 billion to support students’ access to higher education, provide scholarships and strengthen historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Each year, UNCF awards more than 11,000 scholarships totaling more than $62 million. The scholarships support students attending more than 600 US-based colleges and universities including 37 UNCF-member HBCUs. Through its efforts, UNCF has helped generations of students to get to and through college. We believe a college education plays a vital role in fortifying the pipeline of leaders and professionals who contribute to the advancement of our society. Our logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and our widely recognized trademark is, ‟A mind is a terrible thing to waste.” Learn more at UNCF.org or for continuous updates and news, follow UNCF on Instagram.