A Night of Glitz and Purpose: The Gatsby Showcase Foundation Honors Global and Local Trailblazers
based on coverage and imagery published by Silke Enpress Media, featuring the Gatsby Showcase Foundation Awards Gala.The Gatsby Showcase Foundation recently hosted its annual awards gala, bringing together leaders, advocates, and changemakers for an evening that blended elegance with impact. The event celebrated individuals whose work spans diplomacy, media, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and community advocacy highlighting both global influence and grassroots leadership.
Set against a backdrop of sophistication and cultural pride, the gala underscored the Foundation’s mission to empower historically marginalized voices and promote human dignity through education, access, and recognition. Attendees experienced a program designed to honor service while reinforcing the importance of collaboration across sectors and borders.
The ceremony was hosted by acclaimed actress and humanitarian Vivica A. Fox, whose presence and remarks emphasized the role of visibility, storytelling, and accountability in advancing social progress. Her participation reinforced the event’s message that leadership and service deserve both recognition and amplification.
Honorees represented a diverse range of disciplines, including public service, journalism, entrepreneurship, international advocacy, and the arts. Collectively, their work reflects a shared commitment to social equity, cultural advancement, and community development values that remain central to the Foundation’s vision.
The evening concluded with a renewed call to action: to continue investing in people, programs, and partnerships that drive meaningful change. As the Gatsby Showcase Foundation continues its work, events like this gala serve as a reminder that progress is built through both purpose and persistence.
A Night of Glitz and Purpose: The Gatsby Showcase Foundation Honors Global and Local Trailblazers
If you were seeking the most exclusive, high-impact gathering in D.C. recently, you needed to be at the Organization of American States (OAS) building for the 5th Annual Gatsby Showcase Foundation Awards Ceremony. This was more than just a gala; it was a compelling convergence of diplomacy, celebrity, philanthropy, and grassroots excellence, all dedicated to a noble cause.
The moment guests arrived, they were swept into an atmosphere of elegance. The evening kicked off with a red carpet that sparkled with ambassadors, D.C.’s elite, and renowned entertainers. The pre-event reception was a vibe, featuring an open bar, delectable passed hors d’oeuvres, and the delightful, melodic sounds of steel pan music transporting everyone to a tropical state of mind.
The Foundation’s Heartfelt Mission
The true star of the evening, however, was the Gatsby Showcase Foundation’s mission: empowering historically marginalized groups to achieve economic independence. “The mission was born not as a business idea, but as a humanitarian mission,” said Laura AyukTakem Fote, Co-Founder of The Gatsby Showcase Foundation. “A commitment to dignity that begins with essentials.”
They do this through providing essential tools such as education, business development resources, access to quality healthcare, and a strong, supportive global network. The awards ceremony was a celebration of the individuals who embody this spirit of upliftment.
A Star-Studded Stage
Taking the helm as Mistress of Ceremony was none other than the iconic Vivica A. Fox, who brought her signature energy and commanding presence to the stage. With a knowing smile, she set the tone for the night.
“Look at this room!” said Vivica A. Fox, Acclaimed Actress and Producer, drawing applause. “Tonight is about giving flowers to those who don’t just talk the talk but walk the walk. These honorees are proving every single day that economic independence is not a dream; it’s an achievable goal when we lift each other up. That’s what the Gatsby Foundation is all about: real action.”
The program was punctuated by a stunning performance from R&B crooner Kenny Lattimore, whose smooth vocals added a touch of timeless romance and operatic sophistication to the powerful proceedings.
Honoring the Difference Makers
The roster of honorees was nothing short of remarkable, blending influential D.C. figures with international advocates and cultural icons:
D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser
Reverend Al Sharpton, Civil and Human Rights Icon; Founder, National Action Network (NAN)
Armstrong Williams, Media Mogul and Award-Winning Journalist
Johnny Gill, Award-Winning Singer/Songwriter/Producer
LaToya Foster, Director, DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment (OCTFME); and DC Film Commissioner
Paul J. Chon, Entrepreneur and Iconic DC Restauranteur
Raymone K. Bain, “Keeper of the Fame,” Media Strategist and Public Relations Executive
H.E. Denis G. Antoine, Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Representing Grenada
Christine Francis, Philanthropist, and wife of the Grenadian Ambassador
Barrett LaRoda, International Entrepreneur and Entertainment Executive
The event made it crystal clear: the work of empowering communities is a global endeavor that requires commitment from every sector, from city hall to the UN, and from the local business owner to the international entrepreneur. In a final moment of reflection, Vivica summed up the powerful spirit in the room: “What you’re doing, giving back to communities, is just absolutely incredible,” said Vivica. “Every great movement has a heartbeat, a leader whose vision, discipline, and purpose kept it (the foundation) alive and moving forward.”
The 5th annual awards ceremony was a resounding success, solidifying the Gatsby Showcase Foundation’s reputation as a pivotal force for change and leaving attendees feeling energized and connected, a true testament to the power of purposeful celebration.
A Night of Glitz and Purpose: The Gatsby Showcase Foundation Honors Global and Local Trailblazers
If you were seeking the most exclusive, high-impact gathering in D.C. recently, you needed to be at the Organization of American States (OAS) building for the 5th Annual Gatsby Showcase Foundation Awards Ceremony. This was more than just a gala; it was a compelling convergence of diplomacy, celebrity, philanthropy, and grassroots excellence, all dedicated to a noble cause.
The moment guests arrived, they were swept into an atmosphere of elegance. The evening kicked off with a red carpet that sparkled with ambassadors, D.C.’s elite, and renowned entertainers. The pre-event reception was a vibe, featuring an open bar, delectable passed hors d’oeuvres, and the delightful, melodic sounds of steel pan music transporting everyone to a tropical state of mind.
The Foundation’s Heartfelt Mission
The true star of the evening, however, was the Gatsby Showcase Foundation’s mission: empowering historically marginalized groups to achieve economic independence. “The mission was born not as a business idea, but as a humanitarian mission,” said Laura AyukTakem Fote, Co-Founder of The Gatsby Showcase Foundation. “A commitment to dignity that begins with essentials.”
They do this through providing essential tools such as education, business development resources, access to quality healthcare, and a strong, supportive global network. The awards ceremony was a celebration of the individuals who embody this spirit of upliftment.
A Star-Studded Stage
Taking the helm as Mistress of Ceremony was none other than the iconic Vivica A. Fox, who brought her signature energy and commanding presence to the stage. With a knowing smile, she set the tone for the night.
“Look at this room!” said Vivica A. Fox, Acclaimed Actress and Producer, drawing applause. “Tonight is about giving flowers to those who don’t just talk the talk but walk the walk. These honorees are proving every single day that economic independence is not a dream; it’s an achievable goal when we lift each other up. That’s what the Gatsby Foundation is all about: real action.”
The program was punctuated by a stunning performance from R&B crooner Kenny Lattimore, whose smooth vocals added a touch of timeless romance and operatic sophistication to the powerful proceedings.
Honoring the Difference Makers
The roster of honorees was nothing short of remarkable, blending influential D.C. figures with international advocates and cultural icons:
D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser
Reverend Al Sharpton, Civil and Human Rights Icon; Founder, National Action Network (NAN)
Armstrong Williams, Media Mogul and Award-Winning Journalist
Johnny Gill, Award-Winning Singer/Songwriter/Producer
LaToya Foster, Director, DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment (OCTFME); and DC Film Commissioner
Paul J. Chon, Entrepreneur and Iconic DC Restauranteur
Raymone K. Bain, “Keeper of the Fame,” Media Strategist and Public Relations Executive
H.E. Denis G. Antoine, Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Representing Grenada
Christine Francis, Philanthropist, and wife of the Grenadian Ambassador
Barrett LaRoda, International Entrepreneur and Entertainment Executive
The event made it crystal clear: the work of empowering communities is a global endeavor that requires commitment from every sector, from city hall to the UN, and from the local business owner to the international entrepreneur. In a final moment of reflection, Vivica summed up the powerful spirit in the room: “What you’re doing, giving back to communities, is just absolutely incredible,” said Vivica. “Every great movement has a heartbeat, a leader whose vision, discipline, and purpose kept it (the foundation) alive and moving forward.”
The 5th annual awards ceremony was a resounding success, solidifying the Gatsby Showcase Foundation’s reputation as a pivotal force for change and leaving attendees feeling energized and connected, a true testament to the power of purposeful celebration.