Event: MoAD Afropolitan Ball 2024
Date: October 5, 2024
Location: San Francisco Design Center Galleria
Photography (14): Chloe Jackman Photography

The Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD) celebrated the 2024 Afropolitan Ball at the San Francisco Design Center Galleria on the evening of October 5, 2024. Over 600 patrons, artists, scholars, and cultural figures came together to celebrate the museum’s trailblazing accomplishments and future, marking the first-ever Nexus: SF/Bay Area Black Art Week that began on October 1. The VIP Reception beginning at 6PM featured unique culinary offerings from Melons Catering & Event Planning, raising critical funds for the museum’s renowned exhibitions, programs and education initiatives. The evening featured music from Kev Choice Ensemble, while DJ LadyRyan provided a lively set for the party portion beginning at 9PM.

“We hope that Nexus: SF/Bay Area Black Art Week inspires our entire region leading into MoAD’s 20th anniversary next year,” said Monetta White, Executive Director and CEO. “MoAD is more than a museum, it’s a beacon, a platform, and a gathering place for dialogue, inspiration and change. Our shared commitment to building a future with the visions of the African Diaspora is seen, heard, and felt around the world.”

During the VIP Reception, initial remarks were provided by Board Chair Eric McDonnell, who spoke about the museum’s unique initiatives across education, cuisine, and writing. Afropolitan Ball 2024 Co-chairs Shannon Nash and Minjon LeNoir Hall (pictured) introduced Key Jo Lee, MoAD’s Chief of Curatorial Affairs and Public Programs, who discussed the museum’s sustained commitment to enriching Black artists and intellectual life. Earlier this week, Lee unveiled the opening of three new exhibitions at the museum: Liberatory Living: Protective Interiors and Radical Black Joy, Unveiling Histories: A Fabricated Archive by Jessica Monette, and What We Carry to Set Ourselves Free by Helina Metaferia.”

Following remarks from artist Lava Thomas on the significance of MoAD’s Emerging Artist Program, renowned voice actor Joy Ofodu (pictured) joined with McDonnell to lead an energized round of fundraising bids for MoAD. This section of the program culminated with remarks by MoAD’s Executive Director and CEO Monetta White who commented on the spirit of community at the Ball and throughout the entire inaugural Nexus week, which will lay the foundation for the museum’s 20th anniversary next year in 2025

San Francisco Mayor London Breed thanked guests for coming together to celebrate MoAD’s past, present, and future. “I want to thank each and every one of you for continuing–for almost 20 years–to support MoAD and the extraordinary work they do to make sure that the African diaspora is uplifted, protected and supported in San Francisco,” said Breed.

The 2024 Afropolitan Ball featured a variety of notable attendees and guests from art, entertainment, fashion, and philanthropy. In attendance was San Francisco Mayor London Breed; notable figures Eric McDonnell, MoAD’s Board Chair; Afropolitan Ball Co-chairs Shannon Nash and Minjon LeNoir Hall; Ethan Beard and Wayee Chu, Danny and Mia Conway, Peggy Woolford Forbes, Dee Kerrison, George McCalman, Sherri McMullen, Joy Ofodu, and V. Joy Simmons; artists, museum and gallery figures including Carlo Abruzzese, Natasha Becker, Thomas P. Campbell, Alison Gass, Mary Graham, David C. Howse, Jocelyn Jackson, Karen Jenkins-Johnson, Jonathan Carver Moore, Jessica Monette, Rashaad Newsome, Ramekon O’Arwisters and Lava Thomas. (Pictured: Igor Simoes, V. Joy Simmons, Monetta White, Dee Kerrison, Jac Forbes)