Affair returns with plans for limited in-person attendance; features virtual option. One of Milwaukee’s premier social events will again be an in-person gala featuring fashion, fun and music.
Milwaukee, WI || March 9, 2021
“The 2020 virtual Black and White Ball was a tremendous success, but with the growing availability of vaccines to prevent serious cases of COVID-19, we acknowledge that many in the community see an in-person event as an important milestone in returning to normalcy,” said Milwaukee Urban League President and CEO Dr. Eve M. Hall. “We look forward to welcoming, as we anticipate at this time, a limited number of individuals to an in-person celebration while others join us virtually. It is our hope that the number of in-person individuals can increase as more individuals are vaccinated.”
The Black and White Ball is Milwaukee Urban League’s largest fundraising event of the year and helps to support the organization’s programs in education, employment, advocacy, and economic development serving Milwaukee’s African-American community. The co-chairs for the event are Cecelia Gore, Executive Director of Brewers Community Foundation, the charitable arm of the Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club, and Blake Moret, Chairman and CEO of Rockwell Automation.
During the pandemic, MUL has adapted of its programs to online platforms to continue to serve community members seeking support and hope. In addition, the organization has successfully launched several initiatives and received support to grow its’ mission of empowering communities and changing lives. Efforts including:
Establishing a partnership with Johnson Controls and National Urban League through a $2 million grant to support employment, education, and advocacy as well as equitable justice and democracy
Establishing, The L*A*S*T* Mile, a temporary transportation support program for MUL clients working or seeking employment in outlying areas. The program is funded by Stella and Chewy’s, an Oak Creek-based pet food supplier
Moving the popular Driver’s Permit Class online
Securing a grant from the National Urban League for non-partisan efforts to increase voter participation in the 2020 election. The grant supported the “Vote for Me” program, a collaboration with Urban League of Greater Madison and the Urban League of Racine and Kenosha.
Mindful of the significant health and economic toll the COVID-19 pandemic has on the African-American community, the Black and White will feature a special tribute of remembrance and hope.
Information for organizations wishing to help sponsor the event is now available on Milwaukee Urban League’s website.
For additional information, please contact Florida Perry-Smith.
