The Wright Gala 2025

On October 11, 2025, we invite you to join us for a momentous occasion as we commemorate six decades of rich history, culture, and community impact at The Wright Gala. This event will be the grand finale of our yearlong celebration marking the 60th Anniversary of the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.

For generations, The Wright has been a cornerstone of cultural preservation, education, and empowerment. As one of the largest institutions dedicated to the African American experience, it offers a powerful space for reflection, learning, and engagement. This milestone anniversary not only honors The Wright's enduring legacy but also highlights its ongoing commitment to enriching lives through the exploration of African American history, culture, and contributions.

Throughout the year, we have hosted a series of special events, exhibitions, and programs, all leading up to this grand celebration in October. This momentous occasion will showcase the museum's pivotal role in shaping public understanding of African American history and culture, while also paving the way for its continued growth and impact in the years to come.

Join us in celebrating the institution's remarkable journey and its profound contribution to preserving and celebrating the African American experience. This anniversary is not just a commemoration; it's a testament to the resilience, strength, and brilliance of African American history, and an invitation to all to be a part of The Wright's future.

Together, we celebrate the past, present, and future of the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. We look forward to seeing you there!

Honorary Co-Chairs

Co-Chairs

Ms. Tiffany Albert

Rev. Dr. Wendell and Mrs. Monica Anthony

Mr. Dennis Archer and Mrs. Trudy DunCombe-Archer

The Hon. Alisha Bell

Mr. Charles Blow

Mrs. Denise Brooks-Williams and Mr. Jeff Williams

Ms. LaTosha Brown

Dr. Vivian Carpenter

The Hon. Dave Coulter

Ms. Mary Culler

Mr. Walter and Mrs. Retha Douglas

Bishop Charles H. Ellis, III

The Hon. Warren and Mrs. Renata Evans

The Hon. David and Mrs. Jennifer Fischer

Mr. Steve Hightower

Ms. Jemele Hill 

Ms. Tanya R. Hill

Rev. Dr. Nicholas Hood, III

Mr. Gregory Jackson

Mr. Vinnie Johnson

Mr. Conrad L. Mallett Jr.

Drs. Ora Hirsch Pescovitz and Daniel Walsh

Ms. CCH Pounder

Ms. Angelique Power

Mr. Marcus Samuelsson

Ms. Suzanne Shank

Ms. Nicole Sherard-Freeman

Mr. Alexander Smalls

Mr. Arn and Mrs. Nancy Tellem

Mr. Jason Tinsley

Ms. Carla Walker-Miller

Mr. Chris Webber

2025 Gala Honoree Nominations

Educator Category

Rhonda Greene 

Heritage Works 

Rhonda Greene is executive director of Heritage Works. Rhonda began dancing when she was 12 years old. Her experience includes: managing the Knight Foundation Outreach Program at The Henry Ford, the Healthy & Smart program manager for the Detroit Empowerment Zone, Underground Railroad monument activities for Detroit 300 (Detroit, MI), and production notes as well as folklife activities for National Black Arts Festival (Atlanta, GA). She has interned with the Smithsonian Office of Folklife Programs (Washington DC) and received her MFA from Brown University. 

Heritage works has a long history of collaborating and participating in museum programs. 2009 about their dancers being featured in our programs. In the 2000's Rhonda actually gave over $40k to support AWF. The majority of the images your see of young people dancing throughout our marketing material are the young people in the heritage works program. The image below was featured on one of our billboards.

Philanthropy Category

Vivian Rogers Pickard 

For more than three decades Vivian Rogers Pickard has been tirelessly advocating for the museum. As a direct result of her influence GM and countless others including the Pickard Family Fund have given the museum over $10 million! After her Retirement from GM Vivian joined the board and continues to advocate for the museum. She raised 1.8 M as chair of the 50th Anniversary Gala in 2015. In 2016 she worked with Scott Benson to help The Wright form a Millage Campaign exploratory committee that was funded in part by William Pickard. 

 

John James Sr. 

John A. James Sr. is the founder and chairman of James Group International, a Detroitbased logistics and supply chain management company. A trailblazer in the transportation industry, James broke racial barriers in the 1970s by challenging discriminatory practices that excluded African Americans from trucking. His persistence led to regulatory changes that opened the industry to minority-owned businesses. John James joined the board @1994. He is a Member Emeritus and continues to contribute to preserving and promoting African American culture and history.

Artist Category

Hubert Massey 

Hubert Massey is a renowned Detroit-based muralist and public artist celebrated for his large-scale works that reflect African American history and culture. A master of the ancient art of fresco and terrazzo, Massey is the creative force behind the Ring of Genealogy, a monumental 72-foot terrazzo floor installation at the Charles H. Wright Museum’s Ford Freedom Rotunda. This powerful piece features symbolic figures and bronze nameplates honoring iconic African Americans, capturing themes of ancestry, struggle, and triumph. Massey is a graduate of Grand Valley State University and trained in fresco painting at the prestigious San Fernando Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Mexico. His public artworks can be found throughout Michigan, and he is known for engaging communities in the creative process to ensure his murals reflect their stories and heritage. He continues to collaborate with the museum on various projects

Advocates Category

Scott Benson

Scott Benson is a dedicated public servant and member of the Detroit City Council, representing District 3 since 2014. With over 17 years of experience in community development, Benson focuses on revitalizing neighborhoods, improving public safety, and creating economic opportunities. His legislative efforts have led to significant blight reduction and increased property values across his district. 

A former U.S. Coast Guard Commander, Benson served for 24 years, including two overseas deployments. He holds a bachelor's degree from Hampton University, a Master of Urban Planning from Wayne State University, and a finance certificate from the Wharton School of Business. He is also a graduate of the National Naval War College. 

Benson is known for his commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and making District 3 a thriving place for families, youth, and seniors alike. 

Scott has been passionate about The Wright Museum and first assisted the museum with beginning an exploratory committee on a millage campaign in 2016 with Vivian Pickard.

Coleman A. Young II 

Coleman A. Young II is a former Michigan State Senator and Detroit City Council Member At-Large, known for his advocacy on behalf of Detroit’s underserved communities. The son of Detroit’s first African American mayor, Coleman A. Young, he has carried forward his father’s legacy of public service with a focus on economic development, education, and social justice. During his 12-year tenure in the Michigan Legislature, Young served on the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, where he helped secure over $800 million in funding for his district. Notably, he directed $1 million in state funding to support the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, reinforcing his commitment to preserving and promoting African American heritage.

Volunteer Category

Charles Shannon 

Carrying on his family tradition of service, Charles Shannon is the current President of the Friends Committee of the Charles H. Wright Museum. His father, Robert Shannon was very close friends with founder Dr. Charles Wright and served as the President of the museum from 1972-1984. Charles has served many roles with the organization during is lifetime and continues Dr. Wright’s Paul Robeson Scholarship Award each year

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Event Attire

The Wright Museum was named by the Ford Foundation as one of America's Cultural Treasures. We shine brightly because of you, our gemstones. On this evening, we encourage you to show up and show out!

From the most intentional hairstyles to the royal, opulent, and elegant jewel-toned gowns and tuxedos, your attire should reflect the grandeur of the occasion. Whether you choose a classic black tuxedo with a pop of color or a stunning gown that catches the light with every movement, let your style be a testament to the rich cultural heritage we celebrate. 

Order of Events

5:30PM VIP RECEPTION

6:00PM EVENT DOORS OPEN

6:30PM DINNER SERVICE BEGINS

7:00PM 60TH ANNIVERSARY AWARDS PROGRAM BEGINS

9:00PM LIVE AUCTION BEGINS

9:30PM AFTERGLOW- DANCING AND LIVE MUSIC

Parking

Complimentary valet parking is available at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center. Self-parking is available, for a fee, at the Center Parking Garage, Port Atwater Parking Garage or the Beaubien Place Parking Garage.

Expect an Evening of Inspiration

The Wright Gala 2024, themed "And Still We Rise: Music. Movements. Moments," was an electrifying celebration of Detroit's rich musical legacy. From the soulful rhythms of Jazz and Motown to the dynamic beats of hip hop, techno, and rap, the evening spanned six decades of transformative music and cultural movements. Attendees honored the artists, activists, and change-makers who have shaped and continue to shape America's cultural heartbeat. This gala was not only a tribute to African American culture's joy, resilience, and creativity but also a kickoff to the museum's 60th anniversary, embodying the powerful spirit of rising through music and movements.

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