In a momentous year celebrating its 81st anniversary, the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Chicago is gearing up for the 25th Annual UNCF Black & White Ball. This prestigious gala, historically known as ‘A Mind Is…’® Gala, has been a highlighted event on the Chicago fundraising calendar, drawing together a community of committed donors, corporations, and event sponsors.
Set for Saturday, June 14, 2025, the event will begin with a reception at 6:00 p.m., followed by dinner and a program at 7:00 p.m., all taking place at THE GERAGHTY, located at 2520 S. Hoyne Ave., Chicago.
In a nostalgic return to its roots, UNCF has chosen to return to a Black and White theme for this year’s affair, encouraging attendees to dress formally in black and/or white.
The evening is expected to be one of celebration and recognition, as UNCF Chicago will honor two distinguished figures: Ariel Investments will receive the “A Mind Is…” Corporate Award, while Nadia Rawlinson, Co-owner and Operating Chair of the Chicago Sky, will be recognized with the “A Mind Is…” Trailblazer Award.
Lisa M. Rollins, Regional Development Director for UNCF, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “Looking into our 81st year, these honorees uphold the mission of UNCF of investing in Better Futures through our students. It is appropriately so that we proudly recognize them for their tireless dedication, working to ensure that our students, not only enter, but graduate college. They help make a difference in the lives of deserving students. We are so grateful for their level of support and to have them as best allies.”
This year, the fundraising goal at the gala is ambitious: $1 million for scholarships, continuing UNCF’s critical mission of providing educational opportunities for students. Gala Chair Sherina Edwards, an alumna of two Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)—Howard University and Spelman College—expressed her pride in chairing the event. “Throughout its 81 years, UNCF-member schools have made a difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of students, including mine,” she stated. “I am extremely dedicated to this cause and will work fervently to help the next generation of students, who are our future, attend college.”
The gala promises not just a night of fundraising, but also an opportunity for the Chicago community to rally together in support of educational equality. Attendees can look forward to an evening filled with music, dancing, and exquisite dining experiences.
Providing entertainment for the night will be the well-known R&B group “After 7.” Originating in 1987, the group features Kevon Edmonds, Wil Robinson, and Jeremy Keith, following the passing of original member Melvin Edmonds in 2019. They are recognized for their timeless hits like “Heat of the Moment,” “Ready or Not,” and “Can’t Stop.”
Between 2022 and 2023, UNCF awarded 541 scholarships to students in Illinois, underscoring the organization’s commitment to educational access.
For over eight decades, UNCF has had a transformational impact on higher education for Black students. The organization has facilitated the journey of more than 500,000 students towards obtaining college degrees and achieving upward mobility, with many being the first in their families to graduate.
UNCF’s 37 member institutions foster an environment that is both nurturing and culturally responsive, preparing students to emerge as leaders in vital fields such as education, business, medicine, science, and public service. Through generous support from donors and advocacy efforts, UNCF is dedicated to closing the racial wealth and education gap, ensuring that more Black students have the opportunity to pursue and complete their college education.
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