( ENSPIRE Community Spotlight) This Year’s Event Honored Seven Honorees Through Artistry and Empowerment
ENSPIRE Contributor: Joaquin Fernandez
The 8th Annual Black Girl Magic Ball was held at the David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center on May 13th. The night focused on celebrating the Black community, artistry, and empowerment with the theme “We Be The Future.” 2025’s theme highlighted the sheer strength of Black girls and women across the entire community. Dr. Mahogany L. Browne, a prominent author and Lincoln Center poet, curated the event. Urban Word NYC, a nonprofit pushing for young creativity and success, was the Ball’s benefactor. This year’s honorees consisted of legendary singer Nona Hendryx, National Black Theatre Chief Executive Officer Sade Lythcott, Black Star Projects Chief Executive Officer Maori Holmes, Social justice activist Rachel Cargle, and Architect and DEI advocate Pascale Sablan. New York Times Best-Selling Author Jason Reynolds was the Special Ally Honoree.
The night lived up to its name with the honorees’ emotional speeches and show-stealing performances by Shyvonne, AbunDance Dance Company, and New York Youth Poet Kai Giovanni. Everyone in attendance got to experience the sheer immersion by Good Mirrors and Le’ Grand Fleur. Pinkyy provided the music alongside the performance. It all concluded with guests being prompted to join the Boots on the Ground line dance session.
The 2025 sponsors included: Lincoln Center, Good Mirrors, Penguin Random House, Sheedy Literary Agency, Big Mouth Toothbrush by Dr. Bobbi and GoodSocial, IBest Wines and Ten to One Rum…