Washington, D.C., Aug. 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is hosting two marquee events in Washington, D.C. in September.  

The 39th Anniversary Gala is slated for Sept. 12 at the Marriott Marquis. The event is TMCF’s largest fundraiser and awards ceremony, convening corporate executives, government officials and philanthropists to honor its impact.

Award recipients and honorees include Latriece Watkins (Sam’s Club), Dr. Tomikia P. LeGrande (Prairie View A&M University) and Richard and Jim Berkman.

“The Anniversary Gala is a special night when we can celebrate our students, our partnerships and our impact,” Dr. Harry L. Williams, president & CEO of TMCF, said.  

The black-tie affair also includes high-profile entertainment and a celebration of TMCF scholars who have excelled academically and professionally.

Last year the event was hosted by actor Larenz Tate and raised nearly $5 million. Tate returns this year to host the Anniversary Gala and DC CEO Impact NOW events. Media personality Tambra Cherie, a Jackson State University alumna, returns as the red carpet host. Entertainment for the gala includes Grammy-winning vocalist Ledisi. In addition to a Grammy win and nominations, Ledisi has garnered three Soul Train Music Awards, 19 NAACP Image Award Nominations, an NAACP Theatre Award and an NAACP nomination for breakthrough performance in a film. 

Individual tickets for the gala are $2,500. To sponsor the event, purchase tickets or for more information, email gala@tmcf.org.

The DC CEO Impact NOW Awards take place Sept. 10 at the National Museum of African American History & Culture. The event brings together industry leaders, visionaries and changemakers for a night of networking, entertainment and honoring excellence.  

Award recipients and honorees include Shauna Tucker Sims (The Links, Inc.), Dr. Mark Frohman (Frohman Consulting Corp.) and members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, also known as the Divine Nine.

“The CEO Impact Awards are our opportunity to recognize those who have paved the way for generations of students through advancing access, opportunity and economic mobility,” Dr. Williams said. 

Member organizations of the Divine Nine will be honored and recognized for their contributions and advancement of HBCU students during the event. Members of the Black fraternity and sorority community are encouraged to attend this special tribute. 

Entertainment for the evening includes actor and music producer DJ Jazzy Jeff and singer-songwriter Marsha Ambrosius. 

Tickets and sponsorships are still available. Individual tickets are $500. Ticket sales support scholarships, career pathways, leadership development and transformative opportunities for deserving students. To sponsor the event, purchase tickets or for more information, email partners@tmcf.org.     

About the Thurgood Marshall College Fund
Established in 1987, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is the nation’s largest organization exclusively representing the Black college community. TMCF member schools include the publicly supported historically Black colleges and universities, predominantly Black institutions and historically Black community colleges, enrolling nearly 80% of all students attending Black colleges and universities. Through scholarships, capacity building and research initiatives, innovative programs and strategic partnerships, TMCF is a vital resource in the K-12 and higher education space. The organization is also the source of top employers seeking top talent for competitive internships and good jobs. TMCF is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable organization. For more information about TMCF, visit tmcf.org.   


Clara Ross Stamps
 The Thurgood Marshall College Fund
240-931-0696
clara.stamps@tmcf.org

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