Okon Ekpenyong, with a contribution from Danlette Grace Washington

“We had a fantastic time last night celebrating black excellence and culture at the Excellence Black Tie Gal! Great time, amazing people, food, music, art, and fashion”, said Danlette Washington of the New Americans Magazine.

“This past Saturday, First Fridays presented their annual gala at the historic COSI. “It was a celebration of art, fashion, and music, with comedians, authors, and some of the best culinary professionals in the Midwest. It was a remarkable event, with thousands of great professionals in attendance, where excellence and elegance were in full force. There’s nothing quite like it”, said First Fridays.

It was a delightful Saturday, November 18, 2023 night at the Columbus Center of Science and Industry (COSI) as the Excellence Black Tie & Gala commemorated the success of African American creatives in Columbus, Ohio’s arts, entertainment, fashion, and culinary scenes.

Guests enjoyed an evening of culture and science, with performances from live local musicians, a fashion show, a comedy show, author spotlights, and delightful cuisines. They also explore the exciting exhibits at COSI, such as the Dinosaur Gallery, Planetarium, Progress, Energy Explorers, Ocean, and more. There was also a Casino Royale, where guests could enjoy gaming such as Roulette, Blackjack, Craps, Poker, and Money Wheel.

The night began with a red carpet affair, where guests dressed in their best black tie attire and were welcomed by hosts and staff. After the red carpet, attendees were invited to explore the various exhibits, each one showcasing the talents of different black creatives. There were fashion shows featuring emerging designers, musical performances from up-and-coming local artists, and delicious food created by award-winning chefs.

Throughout the night, there were many opportunities to network with peers, mingle with industry professionals, and make new connections. Guests were also given a special presentation about the importance and impact of supporting black creatives in the community.

Overall, the Excellence Black Tie & Gala was a unique and inspiring experience that brought together the best of culture and science to celebrate the success of black creatives in Columbus. The night was an excellent opportunity to show support for the urban community and to recognize the accomplishments of its talented people.

It was a unique experience to witness the combination of culture and science in one space. The gala was a star-studded affair, with attendees from all walks of life dressed to the nines in their best formalwear.

The night was a chance to celebrate the success of the Black community and to recognize the contributions they have made to the city. It was inspiring to see so many talented people come together and be recognized for their achievements. It was also a chance to show the importance of supporting Black-owned businesses and initiatives.

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