Creating a bright future for the next generation, showing positivity and celebrating young achievers, that’s the mission of Museum of Science and Industry’s Black Creativity program which was exemplified Saturday evening at the fundraising gala that raised $500,000.
Corporate executives, young professionals, philanthropists, science and art enthusiasts were spotted on the scene at the 32nd annual Museum of Science and Industry’s Black Creativity Gala held at the Museum. The event, usually the first big Chicago black tie fundraising gala kicking off the year’s social calendar, stepped it up a few notches this year with a some new additions to the celebration.
The Black Creativity program, which helps to raise funds to develop museum programs that inspire and motivate kids in the sciences, combines juried art with science demonstrations by young achievers. Upon their arrival, guests had the chance to engage with students who hail from different Chicago high schools and grade levels in MSI’s science achievers program, at the three stations set up before heading up to the cocktail reception and art exhibit viewing.
Cheryl Harris, senior vice president of Allstate Insurance Company, and Anne Pramaggiore, President and CEO of ComEd were this year’s co-chairs, both representing corporations that have supported the museum over the years.
The cocktail reception had the west pavilion buzzing, where one corner had mayoral hopeful Willie Wilson and his wife chatting with guests and letting them know he was indeed running for mayor to which one lady replied “she resided in Evanston”, music exec Marv Dyson laughing with friends and viewing the artworks on display, and artist Candace Hunter whose pieces were part of the exhibit chatting with Rebecca Klein.
A cheerful, rousing performance by Walt Whitman Jr’s Soul Children of Chicago captivated guests as the kids sang with unbridled emotion and enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Following the performance, emcee’s Michelle Relerford and Byron Miranda of NBC 5 Chicago along with MSI President & CEO David Mosena made remarks to guests. High School seniors Tyrone(Whitney Young High) and Goldeen(Lincoln Park High), members of the Science Achievers program gave first hand testament to how the program has impacted their lives and their future plans. Gala co-chair Cheryl Harris, a Chicago native who grew up steps from the museum mentioned how she wanted to be an archeologist or engineer based on what she learned from the museum.
I gained a small history lesson that evening as well, as I learned from Ms. Harris’ remarks that AllState and MSI’s ties dated way back as both organizations were founded by the same man, Julius Rosenwald. He pledged $5mil to the construction of the museum as well as owning part of AllState Insurance.
Some of the recognizable political faces in attendance included Cook County Board President Tony Preckwinkle and Congresswoman Robin Kelly.
MSI Trustee SAIC President Walter Massey, Former ComED CEO Frank Clark, Black Creativity Advisory Council’s BMO Harris Head of Diversity & Inclusion Cedric Thurman, PNC Bank’s Lisa Huff, Gale Foster Farley, f were also in attendance along with former United Airlines Director Sandra Rand, and next generation-ers Ashley Gardner, Kyle Garder Deven Rand, Eugenia Brown and Charles Smith to name a few.
Guests dined on an “Around the World” theme dinner from the strolling buffet in the museum’s rotunda.
Though the plethora of food could have caused a food coma aka “the it is,” not for this group. After musical entertainment from the MoFitz Project, DJ Lil Jon took to the stage and kicked off the night of dancing with get up and dance hits such as the wobble, Cha cha slide and much more.
This year’s Black Creativity program’ focus was on innovation, inspiring children to become innovators of tomorrow. The Juried Art Exhibition opened January 19 with 104 dynamic works from both professional and amateur African-American artists from around the country and runs through February 22.
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*images: Holly Max Myrick for SociaLifeChicago
