Associated Black Charities hosts annual gala, recognizes the AFRO and local community organizations

By AFRO Staff

Associated Black Charities hosted their annual gala on June 10 at The Hall inside of Maryland Live Casino. The organization recognized the AFRO American Newspapers along with several non-profit organizations and community groups that are doing the work to improve Baltimore and the state of Maryland as a whole.

Founded in 1985, Associated Black Charities began as a way “to represent and respond to issues of special significance to Maryland’s African American communities,” according to information released by the organization. A $100,000 grant from United Way and a lot of volunteer hands were.

The night included performances by singer Navasha Daya and the internationally known group, Dru Hill, which worked the crowd into a frenzy with their classic hits. DJ Tanz closed out the night, spinning popular records for attendees until the lights came on, signaling it was time to go home all too soon.

Members of the AFRO News Team enjoy the Associated Black Charities 2023 annual gala as honorees.

Shown here: Digital Solutions Director Dana Peck, AFRO Media Sales Consultant Craig Talley, Director of Operations Andre Draper, AFRO CEO and Publisher Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper, AFRO Public Relations Manager Diane Hocker, AFRO Charities Public Access Archivist Deyane Moses, Denise DeLeaver , AFRO Production Manager Denise Dorsey and AFRO Managing Editor Alexis Taylor. (Photos courtesy of the Office of the Mayor, Baltimore City / J.J. McQueen)
Rev. Dr. Heber Brown, founder and executive director of the Black Church Food Security Network, is recognized by Associated Black Charities CEO Chrissy Thornton. (Photos courtesy of the Office of the Mayor, Baltimore City / J.J. McQueen)
Baltimore-based artist Chelsea Monae accepts an award from ABC CEO Chrissy Thornton on behalf of the Black Arts District, located on Pennsylvania Avenue.
(Photos courtesy of the Office of the Mayor, Baltimore City / J.J. McQueen)
Members of the Squeegee Collaborative, run out of the Mayor’s Office of African American Male Engagement, share a moment at the gala as honorees.
(Photos courtesy of the Office of the Mayor, Baltimore City / J.J. McQueen)
Squeegee Collaborative members Kavin Waterson and Victoria Thomspon accept the organization’s award from ABC CEO Chrissy Thornton. (Photos courtesy of the Office of the Mayor, Baltimore City / J.J. McQueen)
Dru Hill performs for the crowd. (Photos courtesy of the Office of the Mayor, Baltimore City / J.J. McQueen)
President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of Central Maryland (UWCM) Franklyn Baker with UWCM Senior Vice President and Chief Acceleration Officer Laura Johnson, ABC CEO Chrissy Thornton and Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott enjoy the gala. (Photos courtesy of the Office of the Mayor, Baltimore City / J.J. McQueen)
Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott addresses the crowd.(Photos courtesy of the Office of the Mayor, Baltimore City / J.J. McQueen)
Mayor Brandon Scott speaks at the 2023 ABC gala, highlighting the beauty of Charm City with the theme “To Baltimore, With Love.” (Photos courtesy of the Office of the Mayor, Baltimore City / J.J. McQueen)
Governor Wes Moore speaks on the important work of Associated Black Charities. (Photos courtesy of the Office of the Mayor, Baltimore City / J.J. McQueen)
Maryland Governor Wes Moore made an appearance at the gala with First Lady Dawn Moore. (Photos courtesy of the Office of the Mayor, Baltimore City / J.J. McQueen)
Baltimore City Council President Nick Mosby speaks. (Photos courtesy of the Office of the Mayor, Baltimore City / J.J. McQueen)