UNCF Los Angeles Raises $320,000 at Star-Studded Masked Ball to Fund HBCU Scholarships

The United Negro College Fund Los Angeles (UNCF LA) celebrated a significant fundraising milestone on February 20, bringing together more than 450 guests for its annual Masked Ball black-tie gala at the Skirball Cultural Center. The star-studded evening generated over $320,000 to support scholarships and programs for students attending historically Black colleges and universities.

Hosted by actress Dawnn Lewis and KTLA's Melvin Robert, the signature gala underscored UNCF's more than 80-year commitment to strengthening HBCUs. The event attracted notable celebrity guests including Anthony Anderson, Torrei Hart, Rosci Diaz, and Demetria McKinney, demonstrating broad entertainment industry support for HBCU education.

Dr. Michael Lomax, UNCF President & CEO, emphasized the critical importance of continued investment in higher education access for Black students who face ongoing financial challenges in pursuing their degrees.

The young people of Southern California deserve access to the world-class opportunities HBCUs provide — pathways to economic mobility, leadership, and legacy.



With the continued support of this community, we will keep building, keep growing, and keep investing in our students because a mind is a terrible thing to waste, but a wonderful thing to invest in.

Honoring HBCU Advocates and Supporters

The 2026 Masked Ball recognized several influential leaders and advocates for their contributions to the HBCU community and beyond. Honorees included:

• Tabitha Brown and Chance Brown, founders of Tab+Chance
• Valeisha Butterfield, founder of SEED Media and the Global State of Women
• Jazz musician Billy Mitchell
• Greg Dulan
• Michelle Gaskill-Hames

Grammy-winning recording artist and honoree Anderson .Paak expressed appreciation for the recognition of his philanthropic work through The Brandon Anderson Foundation, which supports youth in underserved communities through the arts.

Honoree Valeisha Butterfield, a third-generation HBCU graduate, shared powerful testimony about how her college experience shaped her career path as a music executive.

I stand here as a proud third-generation daughter of HBCU graduates... The seed planted in you is purpose. UNCF and the HBCU community helped nurture that purpose... because none of us does it alone.

The evening featured an array of student testimonials and performances, including a high-energy set by R&B artist Mario, showcasing the talent and promise of the students these funds will support.

The success of the Los Angeles Masked Ball demonstrates the continued commitment of the Southern California community to investing in HBCU students and ensuring access to transformative educational opportunities that lead to economic mobility and leadership development.

Originally reported by Black Enterprise.