Terrica Maxwell and her family enjoy a moment at The Ball.
I had the opportunity to accompany three of my kids on Nov 19 to a red carpet, “Black Tie Ball,” in their honor in Charleston, W.Va. The joy and excitement on their faces was not something I took for granted. Nor was every detail of the Black Tie Ball that was thought about, from decor with beautiful balloon arches to the event’s flow and music. The “Ball” room was full of families dressed formally to celebrate Black life — something you don’t often see unless it’s a funeral. The Charleston Woman’s Club was transformed into something that rivaled a Hollywood grand opening with energy to stimulate your senses, allowing you to taste the joy in the room! Cam’s Creations designed a night to remember down to the last details.
The unique, star-studded night highlighting our children has been five years in the making. The full-scale Black Tie Ball youth gala celebrates the fifth year of the Fairy Boss Mothers and Game Changers youth mentoring events started by Leeshia Lee.
Event creator and organizer Leeshia Lee with event attendee Adalyn, enjoy a red carpet moment while Charleston police officer David Payne smiles in the background.
Leeshia Lee is a force of kindness and creativity. Her talents stretch from photographer, journalist, playwright, radio host, DJ, entrepreneur, and the founder and organizer of this year’s Black Tie Ball. Over the years, her events have been held separately, one to connect young girls to female role models (Fairy Boss Mothers) and the other to connect young boys to male role models (Game Changers).
As a result, our young people have had the opportunity to walk in a room filled with successful men and women from various professions, including accountants, magistrate judges, city council members, state delegates, and prominent business owners.
In a small state, these connections can make a difference.
Leeshia has said from the beginning, ” Our kids need to know they are special and that we care about their dreams.”
I’ve always agreed. The narrative about what our kids can dream about — what is possible for them — needs to change. Starting with insisting that every kid deserves a glamorous night out with their family and friends celebrating their community.
The Black Tie event allowed our youth to showcase their talents, including Young Tuff, an 11-year-old rap artist who performed live and brought down the house!
Young Tuff performs at the Black Tie Ball on Nov. 19, 2022.
I was serious when I said the Black Tie Ball was going to be a movie… Here is a Sneak Peek from one of the scenes.. Salute to all the stars that played a role….
Jay Howards is directing this masterpiece…
#WEBALL
Posted by Leeshia Lee on Monday, November 21, 2022
We experienced an old-school vs. new-school dance battle. I didn’t mind being sore the next day!
We spent the night celebrating what has been built in the community while uplifting the next generation. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to give our babies real hope for their future. I look forward to what’s to come and to supporting the efforts.
I hope you will too.
Mavery
Mavery Davis (standing), Averi Davis (10), Amir Davis (8), Aiden Davis (4) (L-R)
Mavery Davis is breaking poverty and creating wealth. CPA by day, he’s also a community organizer, a father, a motivator, and founder of the Financial Literacy Bootcamp (FLBC).
Donate to Leeshia Lee’s next community event! The 3rd Annual Jumpshots 4 Jackets Charity Basketball Game is Dec. 11, 2022. This event seeks 200 new coats for local after-school programs. https://www.facebook.com/leeshia.lee
