“We’ve kind of done a reset and refocus, reorganizing the committee, but this gala is our very first fundraiser,” said White, an organizer of the events.
The Black History Month Gala is scheduled to start at 5 p.m. Feb. 1 at the Courtyard by Marriott.
In addition to a buffet dinner and silent auction, White said there will be “something for everyone” as she said it’s “truly a great opportunity for our community to come out and have a fun night and support a meaningful cause.”
One of the biggest outcomes for the event is to begin preservation efforts for Black history in Hamilton, and the committee is working with the Lane Public Library to “create an experience” that showcases the city’s significance in the Civil Rights movement and the Underground Railroad.
“There’s some very interesting history there,” she said.
David Stark, community manager of Artspace Hamilton Lofts, said Feb. 1 will be a “fun and fancy evening.”
“Artspace is home to a lot of great artists,” he said. “I’m especially excited that several of our artists are going to be live painting at the event.”
Artists expected to take part include Ashley Butler, Barkley Simpson, Yolanda Aldridge, Chaka Davis and Brent Billingsley.
“Growing up here in Hamilton, I feel we don’t do Black History Month the right way,” White said. “This is a way for us to really celebration and really preserve the Black history here in Hamilton.”
Tickets, which are $75 per person or $700 for a table of 10, will be available until Saturday. People can call Hamilton Community Foundation at 513-863-1717 by Friday or online at bit.ly/HamiltonBlackHistoryGala2025 by Saturday.
TVHamilton contributed to this story.
WHAT IS JUNETEENTH?
Juneteenth, a portmanteau of the words June and Nineteenth, is the celebration of the end of slavery in the United States.
Early celebrations in the country date back to June 19, 1866, the year after the end of slavery when the Emancipation Proclamation was enforced in Texas.
Juneteenth became a recognized federal holiday in 2021. Hamilton City Council proclaimed in July 2020 that every June 19 in the city will be celebrated as Juneteenth in perpetuity.
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