I am thrilled to share that one of my paintings was raffled for charity at BRAG’s 49th Annual Scholarship and Awards Gala in New York City. The event, held by the popular non-profit organization BRAG, is dedicated to diversifying the fashion industry by providing mentorship and career-building opportunities for young people of color in the retail and design space.

About the Event: Supporting Future Leaders

For nearly five decades, BRAG has awarded over $1 million in scholarship funds to minority students, helping them pursue careers in fashion and retail. The gala featured a stunning blend of fashion industry leaders, live music, and exquisite dining, culminating in a live auction to raise funds for BRAG’s mission.

This year’s gala saw 10 scholarships awarded to promising students, with a star-studded guest list that included names like Dapper Dan, Eric Archibald, Leonard Lawson, and Young Paris. Linsey Davis of ABC News hosted the evening, adding to the glamorous atmosphere. It was an honor to have my painting included in the night’s raffle, contributing to the cause of preparing future leaders for tomorrow.

My Painting: A Contribution to BRAG’s Mission

The painting I donated was designed to reflect themes of empowerment, creativity, and community—values that align closely with BRAG’s mission of fostering diversity in the fashion industry. The raffle was one of the highlights of the evening, with attendees bidding to take home the piece, knowing that the funds raised would go toward supporting the next generation of leaders in fashion.

Honoring Fashion Icons and Making an Impact

In addition to the auction, the night was a celebration of trailblazers in the fashion world, including Dapper Dan, Eric Archibald (Creative Director), and Leonard Lawson (CEO of Bond Creative), all of whom were honored for their contributions to fashion and culture. The event was a powerful reminder of the impact that creativity and community support can have in shaping the future of young people of color in the fashion industry.

Full Essence Magazine Coverage

The full story of BRAG’s 49th Annual Gala and the incredible work they are doing to uplift future leaders in fashion was covered in Essence Magazine. You can read the full article [here](insert link) to learn more about the event, the honorees, and how the funds raised through the raffle are making a difference.