The Black Men Coalition’s annual Revitalize Gala returns for a second year on Friday, Dec. 20 at the Edgewater Hotel in downtown Madison as the organization looks to highlight its continued impact on the community.
The Black Men Coalition (BMC) has seen steady growth throughout the year. With the gala, now annual in its second year, BMC aims to highlight how it has grown. The Revitalize Gala looks to bring the community together to celebrate its impact and raise funds as it pushes onward towards more growth.
“We’ve almost doubled our impact,” said Corey Marionneaux, CEO of BMC. “I think it’s amazing to be able to show the people that support the work, but I also think it’s important to celebrate the success of the organization for the year and the impact.”
This year, BMC has been busy with partnerships and ventures into the performing arts. It launched a program with Cornell University to provide free Ivy League educational opportunities for those looking to make changes in their lives. The program helped community members who made under $70,000 explore career paths to raise their wages and quality of life.
Later in the year, it put on a play to showcase the realities of life after incarceration. “The Kernel of Truth” play had a star-studded cast with actors like Jamal Woods, from the 2009 Biggie Smalls biopic “Notorious,” and Jeremy Meeks, a fashion model who found fame after his mugshot went viral.
Also, its youth baseball league had another great year, Marionneaux said. With a busy 2024, BMC already has its sights on next year with a planned film called “The Right Way” — details on the movie will be released later — and developing housing.
The gala will feature music, live and silent auctions, food and a “fund-a-need” segment. Funds raised will help BMC’s programs to support the community.
The Revitalize Gala will be held on Friday, Dec. 20 at the Edgewater Hotel, 1001 Wisconsin Pl., from 5-9 p.m. Tickets are currently on sale for $150 for general admission or $1 for its after-hours event from 9-12:30 a.m.
