Behind the Gala
The Black Excellence Ball was conceived as a celebration of culture, achievement, and empowerment within the African American community. At The Roots Initiative, we believe in honoring our rich heritage while propelling our community forward. The ball serves as a beacon of unity and inspiration, bringing together individuals who are passionate about making a positive impact.
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All proceeds directly support The Roots Initiative’s leadership development, mental wellness, and youth advocacy programming across Chicago.
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Founders Note
Celebrate Power. Possibility. Purpose.
I started The Roots Initiative out of a deep belief in Black youth—in their power, creativity, and ability to lead us forward. This work exists to honor their brilliance and to build the conditions where that brilliance can flourish.
Our young people are the experts on their own lives and the undisputed authors of their own stories. They are overflowing with vision. At The Roots Initiative, our mandate is simple: amplify their voices, resource their dreams, and get out of their way.
The Black Excellence Ball exists to turn belief into action. It is both a reminder and a refusal—a reminder that Black excellence is not rare, it is our inheritance, and a refusal to accept a future where our youth are celebrated in words but abandoned in practice.
This year’s theme, Power. Possibility. Purpose., reflects what I see every day in the young people we serve:
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Power is the unshakable agency of Black youth — their voice, leadership, and right to be seen and heard.
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Possibility emerges when barriers fall and imagination is given room to breathe.
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Purpose anchors our shared responsibility to build a future where Black brilliance creates its own legacy.
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This night is about joy—and responsibility. If you’re joining us, it’s because you believe Black youth deserve more than survival. You believe in building spaces where they can be whole, lead boldly, and imagine freely.
Thank you for showing up. Thank you for investing. And thank you for being part of what we are building together.
In Community,
Tanesha Peeples | Founder & CEO
Become An Event Sponsor
We invite you to play a pivotal role in the success of the 3rd Annual Black Excellence Ball by becoming an event sponsor. As a sponsor, you are declaring that the future of Black brilliance is non-negotiable. This commitment sustains the vital work of culture and healing that prepares our youth to navigate the world with confidence, clarity, and purpose.
Choose from our sponsorship packages to find the level that best suits your commitment to making a difference.
