The Gatsby Showcase Foundation Gala Celebrates Black Entrepreneurship and Honors Sergio Hudson

based on coverage and imagery published by Micha Green for the Washington Informer

Donning sparkly gowns, dapper tuxedos, and fashion-forward attire, hundreds of guests filled the terrace of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Northwest Washington, D.C., for the third annual Gatsby Showcase Foundation Gala an event honoring innovators and entrepreneurs, including renowned designer Sergio Hudson. “The Washington Informer

The glamorous evening featured an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, and a multi-designer fashion show, with highlights including runway presentations from Sergio Hudson Collections, Michael Johnson’s JL Michael’s Custom Clothiers, and Mona Moumen’s raMona Design Studio. The celebration continued the Gatsby Showcase Foundation’s tradition of empowering the Black community through fashion, arts, and culture. “The Washington Informer

Reality television star Lisa Wu served as mistress of ceremonies, guiding attendees through an engaging night of style and recognition.

Honorees and Impact

At this year’s gala, several distinguished changemakers were honored for their contributions to entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and community empowerment: The Washington Informer

  • Sergio Hudson, celebrated fashion designer and recipient of the Trailblazer’s Award

  • Dr. Trisha Bailey, entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist

  • Captain James Kamau, Kenya Airways pilot and director of Kenya operations for Crossing Thresholds

  • Ann Trip, award-winning news director of WBLS

  • Greg Lockman, founder and chairman of Purposeful Living and Giving

  • Dr. Lance London, founder of Carolina Kitchen, honored with the Gatsby Foundation Appreciation Award The Washington Informer

In his acceptance of the Trailblazer’s Award, Hudson emphasized the importance of representation and community support. He shared that his mission in fashion is to “normalize people that look like me in this space,” affirming that his creative work aims to uplift Black designers and encourage broader inclusion within the fashion industry. The Washington Informer

Hudson also spoke passionately about his lifelong commitment to service and giving back, noting that his upbringing including weekly work at a homeless shelter shaped his dedication to community empowerment. He encouraged the audience to support Black businesses and use their influence to benefit their communities. The Washington Informer

“My mission as a designer is to normalize people that look like me in this space,” Hudson said, adding that empowerment and representation are cornerstones of his work and the foundation’s mission. The Washington Informer

Read more:
👉 https://www.washingtoninformer.com/black-entrepreneurship-sergio-hudson-gatsby-showcase-gala/

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The 5th annual Gatsby Showcase Foundation Awards Gala was held Saturday evening at the Organization of American States (OAS) on 17th Street in Washington, D.C., honoring people who are making positive changes in their communities. WBFF

The event celebrated leaders whose work drives empowerment, economic advancement, and community impact across a range of sectors, from public service and media to entertainment and entrepreneurship. WBFF

The Gatsby Showcase Foundation’s mission is to empower historically marginalized groups to achieve economic independence by providing access to education, business development tools, quality healthcare, and a supportive global network. WBFF

The gala, held on Dec. 13, served both as a celebration of accomplishments and a fundraiser to support the foundation’s work in uplifting underserved communities both domestically and internationally. WBFF

Honorees

The following distinguished changemakers were honored at the gala: WBFF

  • 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. Cohn, Entrepreneur and Iconic DC Restauranteur

  • Raymone K. Bain, “Keeper of the Famed,” 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 honorees represent leaders in government, civil rights, media, entertainment, and international advocacy, reflecting the diverse impact of the Gatsby Showcase Foundation’s work

Read more:
👉 https://foxbaltimore.com/news/local/gatsby-showcase-foundation-awards-gala-honors-changemakers-community

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