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This past Saturday, WACO Theater Center, founded by Richard and Tina Knowles Lawson, hosted its 5thannual Wearable Art Gala Auction in Los Angeles, California. The event brought out the biggest names (and best dressed) in entertainment. Celebrities from Tyler Perry, Kelly Rowland, Issa Rae, and Jay-Z, and Beyonce were in attendance. Hosted by Keke Palmer and sponsored by Ebony and Jet magazines, the night brought together legends like Lynn Whitfield, Obba Babatundé, and Vivica Fox, along with newer stars Chloe and Halle, Quinta B and Lori Harvey, and longtime friends of the Lawsons, Magic and Cookie Johnson and LL Cool J and Simone Smith.

“Harlem Nights” was this year’s gala theme and attendees seemed to be inspired by the Harlem Renaissance era and the 1989 classic film of the same name. Guests shared behind-the-scenes looks at the night’s festivities which included realistic Harlem backdrops, a live jazz band, second-line dancers, and performances by Grammy-award winner, Andra Day and Tony-award winner, Adrienne Warren.

In addition to raising millions of dollars to continue their impactful work with youth in the Los Angeles area, the Lawsons also amplified black art through the auction and honored entertainment and art legends, Angela Bassett and Mark Bradford. Bassett received the Film & TV Icon Award, presented by the talented Lupita Nyong’o, and Bradford, a contemporary artist, was awarded the “U.S State Department Medal of Arts” award.

I can’t wait to see what art is in store for next year!