Date/Time
Date(s) - 03/21/2026
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Location
Philadelphia Marriott Downtown
Categories
The Roots will be honored with a special Semiquincentennial Legacy Award to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026 and the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The award presentation will be a part of the United Negro College Fund Philadelphia’s 2026 Mayor’s Masked Ball fundraiser and gala. Hosted by UNCF and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, it is UNCF’s signature event that supports life-changing scholarships for students of color. It will be a night to shine.
Five community and corporate difference-makers will receive the 2026 Mayor’s Masked Awards: Cheryl McKissack Daniel, President & CEO of McKissack & McKissack, who will be honored with the Individual Champion Award; the Exelon Corporation will receive the Corporate Champion Award, and The Michael Ann and Saquon Barkley Foundation will be the beneficiaries of the Community Support Champion Award. Joseph Hill, Managing Director of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, will receive the Advancing Young Leadership Award (ATLA), and legendary hip-hop icons Philadelphia’s The Roots will be honored for their music and community accomplishments.
The fun-filled evening will feature a live auction with exclusive items, a silent auction, and a raffle with coveted prizes. Attendees will don their finest fancy masks and formal wear for a night of glitz, glitter, glamour and philanthropy, to support the UNCF’s mission to provide educational opportunities for college students. Be part of this evening of elegance and excitement while making a meaningful impact in the community. Over the years, UNCF has raised more than $6 billion to assist more than 550,000 students, paving the way for a promising future.
Inquire about tickets; 7 p.m. EST to 10 p.m. EST (doors open at 6 p.m. EST). Philadelphia Marriott Downtown Center City Hotel, 12th & Market streets. Email: cstarling@uncf.org, 215-422-3373 or https://uncf.org/PhiladelphiaMMB