Hosted by
The Scholarship Plug, Inc.
About this event
2026 Paving Paths Weekend Black Excellence Gala
Black Excellence Gala - Friday, April 3 | 6:00 PM
$175
The Black Excellence Gala: Through the Diaspora is an immersive, formal celebration honoring the global legacy, creativity, and resilience of Black people across time and geography. Building upon the foundation of last year’s Black Wall Street tribute to economic empowerment, this year’s gala expands the lens—inviting guests to journey through the African diaspora and witness how history, culture, fashion, and art shape Black excellence today.
This signature evening brings together community leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, artists, designers, and students for a powerful celebration of heritage and innovation. Through curated fashion showcases, artistic expression, and storytelling, the gala highlights the diaspora as a living archive—where ancestral traditions, diasporic influence, and future vision converge.
Guests will experience an elegant night of inspiration and cultural pride, dressed in formal attire that reflects diasporic style—from African textiles and Caribbean influence to contemporary and Afrofuturist expression. The evening also serves a greater purpose, raising funds to support educational access, leadership development, and entrepreneurial pathways for students and underserved communities.
The Black Excellence Gala is both a tribute and a call to action—honoring where we come from while investing boldly in where we are going.
VIP Drink Pack - NON-ALCOHOLIC
$30
Bottomless NON-Alcoholic Beverages all night long! May be redeemed for non-alcoholic beverages throughout the night.
VIP Drink Pack - ID REQUIRED
$60
Bottomless Beverages all night long! May be redeemed for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the night. *ID Required. Must be 21 or older.
Black Excellence Gala - Table Sponsor
$1,750
* Mention in event brochure
* Company Logo on the event website
* Advertising on digital materials
* Premium seating and table for (10) at the Black Excellence Gala
* Includes VIP Drink Package for unlimited adult beverages
Beverage Sponsor - Way Maker Reception
$2,500
* Company mention in the event brochure as an official beverage sponsor
* Company Logo on the event website as an official beverage sponsor
* Advertising on printed and digital materials as an official beverage sponsor
* Event sponsorship: Way Maker Reception (Adult Beverages Included)
Black Excellence Gala - Earlybird Ticket
$150
Way Maker Reception Sponsor
$12,000
* Prominent placement of company name or logo on event materials including signage, invitations, and video screens at the Way Maker Reception
* Ten (10) tickets to the Way Maker Reception
* Two (2) Social Media posts on Facebook and Instagram
* Digital ad placement in electronic journal
* Remarks at Way Maker Reception
* Logo placement on volunteer t-shirts
Pathway Sponsor
$4,000
* Prominent placement of company name or logo on event materials including signage, invitations, and at the Pathway * Pursuit Expo
* Digital ad placement in electronic journal
* Remarks at the Pathway Pursuit Expo
* 20-Minute Workshop host at the Pathway Pursuit Expo
* Logo placement on volunteer t-shirts
Beverage Sponsor - Pathway Pursuit Expo
$2,500
* Company mention in the event brochure as an official beverage sponsor
* Company Logo on the event website as an official beverage sponsor
* Advertising on printed and digital materials as an official beverage sponsor
* Event sponsorship: Pathway Pursuit Expo (non-alcoholic beverages for 1000+ attendees)
Title Sponsor
$21,000
* Title sponsorship recognition in all event-related advertising and promotion
* Prominent placement of company name or logo on event materials including signage, invitations, and digital during the event
* One (1) table with premier seating for ten (10) guests during the Black Excellence Gala
* Four (4) Social Media posts on Facebook and Instagram
* Radio mentions as title sponsor on all media outlets (minimum of 2)
* Company logo projected on screen throughout the Way Maker Reception and Black Excellence Gala
* Digital ad placement in electronic journal
* Named sponsor on 2 EqualPath community events in 2024
Remarks at Way Maker Reception, Pathway Pursuit Expo, and Black Excellence Gala
* (1) Company Named Scholarship
* Prominent logo placement on volunteer t-shirts
Beverage Sponsor - Black Excellence Gala
$2,500
* Company mention in the event brochure as an official beverage sponsor
* Company Logo on the event website as an official beverage sponsor
* Advertising on printed and digital materials as an official beverage sponsor
* Event sponsorship: Black Excellence Gala (Adult Beverages Included)
Add a donation
to support The Scholarship Plug, Inc.
$
Tax receipt eligible
Did you know? We fundraise with Zeffy to ensure 100% of your purchase goes to our mission!