Portraits of historical Black figures and newspaper clippings fill the left side, while modern media creators and digital graphics dominate the right, all under the banner of the Virginia Black History Month Association's 27th Annual Gala.
Virginia Black History Month Association

Hosted by

Virginia Black History Month Association

About this event

The 2027 Virginia Black History Month Gala

2800 Potomac Ave

Arlington, VA 22202, USA


General Admission
$125

General Admission – 27th Annual Virginia Black History Month Gala

Join us for an unforgettable evening at the 27th Annual Virginia Black History Month Gala, one of the premier Black History Month celebrations in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) region. Celebrate the rich history, achievements, and contributions of African Americans while supporting scholarships, educational initiatives, and community programs that empower future generations.

Your General Admission ticket includes:

  • Admission to the 27th Annual Virginia Black History Month Gala
  • Reserved seating at a beautifully appointed banquet table
  • A gourmet plated dinner
  • An inspiring keynote address by Symone Sanders-Townsend
  • Live entertainment and cultural performances
  • Recognition of distinguished community leaders and youth scholarship recipients
  • Opportunities to connect with business professionals, educators, elected officials, civic leaders, and families from across the Commonwealth and the DMV region

Whether you attend as an individual, couple, or with friends, you'll experience an elegant evening of celebration, inspiration, and fellowship while helping preserve Black history and invest in the leaders of tomorrow.

Attire: Black Tie Optional / Formal Business Attire

VIP Admission
$200

Experience the gala with exclusive VIP privileges while celebrating one of the premier Black History Month events in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) region. The VIP Admission Ticket offers premium seating, exclusive access to the VIP Social, a complimentary picture, and an elevated experience as we honor Black history, celebrate achievement, and invest in the next generation.


Your VIP Admission includes:

  • Everything included with General Admission
  • Priority check-in with expedited entry
  • Premium reserved seating near the stage
  • Admission to the Exclusive VIP Reception prior to the gala
  • Opportunity to meet and network with distinguished guests, community leaders, sponsors, and elected officials
  • Complimentary professional commemorative photograph
  • Exclusive VIP commemorative gift
  • Recognition as a VIP supporter of the Virginia Black History Month Association

Enjoy an unforgettable evening featuring an elegant dinner, inspiring entertainment, youth scholarship presentations, and a keynote address by Symone Sanders-Townsend, while receiving the highest level of hospitality offered to our guests.

Your VIP ticket also helps support the Virginia Black History Month Association's scholarship program, educational initiatives, and year-round community outreach.

Full VIP Table - (10 Guest)
$1,900
This is a group ticket, it includes 10 tickets

VIP Full Table (10 Guests) – 27th Annual Virginia Black History Month Gala

Host your family, friends, colleagues, clients, or organization with an exclusive VIP Table for Ten at the 27th Annual Virginia Black History Month Gala. A VIP Table provides the ultimate gala experience while demonstrating your support for one of the premier Black History Month celebrations in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) region.

Your VIP Full Table includes:

  • Reserved premium seating for 10 guests in a preferred location near the stage
  • Priority VIP check-in for your entire party
  • Admission for all guests to the Exclusive VIP Reception prior to the gala
  • A beautifully prepared plated dinner for each guest
  • An inspiring keynote address by Symone Sanders-Townsend
  • Live entertainment, cultural performances, and special presentations
  • Recognition of outstanding community leaders and youth scholarship recipients
  • Complimentary professional commemorative photographs
  • An exclusive VIP commemorative gift for each guest
  • Opportunities to network with distinguished guests, sponsors, business leaders, educators, elected officials, and community partners

A VIP Table is an excellent choice for corporations, organizations, churches, alumni groups, families, and friends who wish to enjoy the evening together while supporting the Virginia Black History Month Association's mission of preserving Black history, awarding scholarships, and strengthening communities through education and service.

Join us for an elegant evening of celebration, inspiration, and excellence as we honor the past, celebrate the present, and invest in the future.

Attire: Black Tie Optional / Formal Business Attire

Full General Admission Table - (10 Guest)
$1,200
This is a group ticket, it includes 10 tickets

General Admission Full Table (10 Guests) – 27th Annual Virginia Black History Month Gala

Reserve an entire table for your family, friends, colleagues, church, organization, or business and experience an unforgettable evening celebrating Black history, culture, and achievement. A General Admission Full Table allows your group to enjoy the gala together while supporting the Virginia Black History Month Association's mission of education, scholarship, and community empowerment.

Your General Admission Full Table includes:

  • Reserved seating for 10 guests at one banquet table
  • A beautifully prepared plated dinner for each guest
  • An inspiring keynote address by Symone Sanders-Townsend
  • Live entertainment, cultural performances, and special presentations
  • Recognition of outstanding community leaders and youth scholarship recipients
  • Opportunities to network with community leaders, educators, business professionals, elected officials, and families from across Virginia and the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) region

A Full Table is an excellent choice for corporations, nonprofit organizations, churches, civic groups, alumni associations, families, and friends who want to share the evening together while celebrating the rich contributions of African Americans and investing in future generations.

Join us for an elegant evening of inspiration, celebration, and fellowship as we honor our history, recognize excellence, and support scholarships and community programs that make a lasting impact.

Attire: Black Tie Optional / Formal Business Attire

Student's Ticket
$75

Student Admission – 27th Annual Virginia Black History Month Gala


The Student Admission Ticket is designed to encourage the next generation of leaders, scholars, and changemakers to participate in one of the premier Black History Month celebrations in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) region. (12 years old to 22 years old)

Students will join community leaders, educators, elected officials, business professionals, and families for an inspiring evening celebrating the achievements, contributions, and enduring legacy of African Americans.


Your Student Admission includes:

  • Admission to the 27th Annual Virginia Black History Month Gala
  • Seating with parents and/or adult chaperone
  • A beautifully prepared plated dinner
  • An inspiring keynote address by Symone Sanders-Townsend
  • Live entertainment and special presentations
  • Recognition of outstanding youth scholarship recipients and community leaders
  • Opportunities to connect with mentors, educators, and professionals from across the region
  • (Note: No alcohol served at the gala)

The Student Ticket is available to students enrolled in elementary school, middle school, high school, college, university, or trade school. Students under the age of 18 should be accompanied by a parent, guardian, teacher, or approved group leader.

Join us for an unforgettable evening of education, inspiration, and celebration as we honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future.

Attire: Business Casual, Church Attire, or Formal Attire is Encouraged.

Children's Ticket
$50

Children's Admission (Ages 11 & Under) – 27th Annual Virginia Black History Month Gala

Introduce the next generation to the rich history, culture, and accomplishments of African Americans at the 27th Annual Virginia Black History Month Gala. The Children's Admission Ticket provides young guests with the opportunity to experience an inspiring evening celebrating leadership, education, and community.

Children will enjoy a memorable event featuring uplifting presentations, live entertainment, and the opportunity to witness the recognition of outstanding community leaders and youth scholarship recipients.

Your Children's Admission includes:

  • Admission to the 27th Annual Virginia Black History Month Gala
  • Reserved seating with a parent, guardian, or accompanying adult
  • A plated children's meal or standard dinner entrée (as selected during registration and based on availability)
  • An inspiring keynote address by Symone Sanders-Townsend
  • Live entertainment and special presentations
  • An opportunity to experience one of the premier Black History Month celebrations in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) region

Eligibility: This ticket is reserved for children 11 years of age and younger and must be purchased in conjunction with an adult ticket. Children must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult throughout the event.

Join us as we celebrate our history, honor our heroes, and inspire the next generation to lead with purpose and excellence.

Attire: Church Attire, Business Casual, or Formal Attire is Encouraged.

The HBCU Full VIP Table
$2,000
This is a group ticket, it includes 10 tickets

HBCU VIP Full Table (10 Guests) – 27th Annual Virginia Black History Month Gala

Celebrate the rich legacy, excellence, and enduring impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities by reserving an HBCU VIP Table for 10 guests. Beautifully decorated in the colors of your selected HBCU and featuring your school's mascot, this exclusive table offers a one-of-a-kind gala experience that proudly showcases your alma mater's heritage and spirit.

Whether you are an alumni chapter, student organization, faculty group, family, or friends, your HBCU VIP Table is the perfect way to celebrate together while supporting scholarships, education, and community empowerment through the Virginia Black History Month Association.

Your HBCU VIP Full Table includes:

  • Reserved VIP seating for 10 guests at a beautifully decorated table customized with your selected HBCU's official colors and mascot
  • Priority VIP check-in for your entire party
  • Admission for all guests to the Exclusive VIP Reception prior to the gala
  • A beautifully prepared plated dinner for each guest
  • An inspiring keynote address by Symone Sanders-Townsend
  • Live entertainment, cultural performances, and special presentations
  • Recognition of outstanding community leaders and youth scholarship recipients
  • Complimentary professional commemorative photograph with keynote speaker
  • An exclusive VIP commemorative gift for each guest
  • Opportunities to network with HBCU alumni, community leaders, educators, business professionals, elected officials, and distinguished guests from across the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) region

Represent your Alma Mater with pride while helping preserve the legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities and supporting the Virginia Black History Month Association's scholarship and educational initiatives.

Important: HBCU table decorations are available for participating Historically Black Colleges and Universities and are prepared in advance. Please select your preferred HBCU during registration to ensure your table is customized for your group.

Attire: Black Tie Optional / Formal Business Attire

Vendor Payment
$175

Reserve your vendor space for the 27th Annual Virginia Black History Month Gala, held Saturday, February 27, 2027, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel in Arlington, Virginia.


The vendor fee includes:

  • One vendor table with a tablecloth
  • Chairs for vendor representatives
  • Access to guests attending the gala and Vendor Showcase
  • Vendor setup from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Sales beginning at 4:30 p.m.

The vendor fee is $175 through Monday, February 1, 2027, and $200 beginning Tuesday, February 2, 2027, subject to space availability. Full payment and a completed Vendor Registration Form are required to secure a table. Partial payments and on-site registrations will not be accepted.

Electrical service and boxed lunches are available for an additional charge and must be requested in advance. Vendor fees are nonrefundable after February 1, 2027.

Add a donation for Virginia Black History Month Association

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