News Summary
Chattanooga will celebrate its first RBG Ball on August 1, 2025, honoring Black culture and heritage with a theme inspired by the historic Black Wall Street. The event includes a cocktail hour, gourmet dinner, live performances, and a pinning ceremony for new members of the Black Wall Street Society of Chattanooga. This gala will raise funds for the Chattanooga Festivals of Black Arts & Ideas, promoting artistic contributions and community initiatives.
Chattanooga is set to host its inaugural RBG Ball on August 1, 2025, at the Mac Avenue Event Space on McCallie Avenue. This highly anticipated event marks the official launch of the 2025-2026 Chattanooga Festivals of Black Arts & Ideas “Festival Series.” With an emphasis on celebrating Black culture and heritage, this year’s theme pays homage to the glamour of 1900s Black Wall Street, a historical period characterized by significant African American economic and cultural accomplishments.
The evening will commence at 6:00 PM with a cash bar cocktail hour featuring a live performance by Neshawn Calloway, who will portray the legendary blues singer Bessie Smith. Attendees can look forward to a three-course gourmet dinner curated by celebrity Chef Kenyatta Ashford, set to begin at 7:00 PM. Following dinner, guests will be treated to live performances from the Juba Dance Ensemble, showcasing the rich traditions of African and African American dance.
A significant highlight of the evening will be the inaugural Black Wall Street Society of Chattanooga Pinning Ceremony, which honors new members for their contributions to the Black Arts community. The event aims not only to celebrate these individuals but to also recognize the philanthropic spirit of the Black Wall Street Society of Chattanooga.
Attendees are encouraged to dress in All Black Attire, reflecting the elegance and sophistication of the early 1900s Black Wall Street era. This thematic attire is expected to enhance the ambiance of the evening, as guests gather to honor and celebrate Black excellence.
This event serves as a critical fundraiser for the Chattanooga Festivals of Black Arts & Ideas, with proceeds going towards promoting Black culture, arts, and community initiatives throughout the year. As part of the fundraising effort, guests are invited to bring checks and credit cards for donations, contributing to a cause that supports artistic and cultural endeavors in the Chattanooga area.
The RBG Ball promises to be an elegant evening filled with culture, excitement, and a focus on the future of Black excellence in Chattanooga. Organizers have emphasized that this gathering is not only a celebration of the past but also a commitment to furthering the impact of Black arts and culture in the community.
The Chattanooga Festivals of Black Arts & Ideas aim to provide a platform for Black artists and cultural contributors, fostering an environment where their work can thrive. The inaugural RBG Ball is poised to be a memorable event that underscores the importance of community, culture, and creativity, encouraging greater appreciation and support of the African American arts.
As the festival series continues throughout the year, the RBG Ball will set a precedent for future events celebrating Black culture in Chattanooga. With a profound sense of history, community engagement, and artistic expression, attendees can expect an unforgettable experience, one that honors the legacy of Black Wall Street while looking forward to a vibrant future.
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Additional Resources
- Chattanooga Pulse: The Black Wall Street RBG Ball
- Business Insider: Black Business Wealth Building
- Local 3 News: The History and Legacy of the Chattanooga Five
- Wikipedia: Black Wall Street
- Google News: Black Wall Street
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
