Below are highlights from the 8th Annual Vision Community Foundation Black Tie Gala!
On Friday, September 3, 2021, the Biltmore Ballrooms in Atlanta, GA were filled with many people all walks of life giving their “Salute to Fashion” as that was the theme for the evening. Hosted by Vivica Fox and Miss Lawrence, the gala was set to honor those who have major strides and contributions to the arts, media, ministry, community service, government, and fashion industry.
The honorees of the evenings include “Pose” on FX star Ryan Jamaal Swain, TV/Radio personality Gary with da tea, actor/comedian Sampson McCormick, celebrity hairstylist and TV personality Derek J, Speak Out USA’s Antonio Driver, iElevate TV VP Onyx Keesha, OWN TV “Love & Marriage: Huntsville” Melody S. Holt, Sean John Co-Founder Jeffrey Tweedy, Director Nathan Hale Williams, Patrick-Ian Polk, Abounding Prosperity Inc Founder Kirk Myers, and Gilead Sciences.
With the theme for the evening being “Salute to Fashion” guests were asked what was their salute to fashion:
“I like to put pieces together, I like working under pressure with things out of my closet and I don’t really plan things! I like to stand out!” – DJ ToniK
“It is so amazing when we can come together to recognize black excellence and create these spaces. My outfit has a strong red presence which symbolizes the Red Ribbon worn to bring awareness to HIV.” -Honoree Kirk Myers
Derek J states: “I’ve always been a person to do what you want to do. Whether you want to wear heels, wear flats or wear booty shorts. Just do you!”
Vivica Fox shut the red carpet down wearing a Badgley Mischka cost dress looking angelic in cream. She spoke briefly of iconic moments for her in fashion stating, “When I did the MTV awards with a certain gentleman and I walked in that dress that was show stopping!”
The night’s entertainment was rendered by singer Travis Malloy and performances by Alvin Ailey principal dancer Maurice Renaldo. Tunes were spun by DJ Toni K.
Many guests were decked in amazing fashions by designers such as Balmain, Dolce Gabbana, J Lux label, and many more.
Executive Director of Vision Community Foundation, Bishop Oliver Clyde Allen, III stated that the “night was about honoring those who are trailblazing an inclusive path for all.” With last year’s Covid-19 pandemic hindering the gala from happening, the foundation not only focused on leading strides in safe sex and prevention of sexually transmitted infections but also focusing on educating the masses about the prevention and spread of Coronavirus.
The Vision Community Foundation is a 501©(3) created to impact and transform the LGBTQI++ community by educating, creating awareness and implementing STI/STD prevention methods using all forms of millennial media and marketing tools. The mission of the foundation is to empower people mentally, emotionally, educationally, socially, and economically.
Written By: Whitney J
IG: @__whitney.j
Facebook: Whitney J Speaks
Twitter: @WhitneyJSpeaks
Pictures By: IG- @khandidproductions
