TMCF to Host 39th Anniversary Gala and DC CEO Impact NOW Awards
- The Thurgood Marshall College Fund is preparing to host its 39th Anniversary Gala on Sept.
- According to verified coverage, this year's award recipients include Latriece Watkins (Sam’s Club), Dr.
- Musical entertainment for the gala features Grammy-winning vocalist Ledisi, as reported by GlobeNewswire.
The Thurgood Marshall College Fund is preparing to host its 39th Anniversary Gala on Sept. 12, 2026, at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, D.C., according to reporting from Globe Newswire. As TMCF’s largest fundraiser and awards ceremony, the black-tie gathering brings together corporate executives, government officials, and philanthropists to celebrate student success, institutional partnerships, and the broader impact of the organization.
Honorees and Gala Leadership
According to verified coverage, this year’s award recipients include Latriece Watkins (Sam’s Club), Dr. Tomikia P. LeGrande (Prairie View A&M University), and Richard and Jim Berkman. Dr. Harry L. Williams, president and CEO of TMCF, noted via Globe Newswire that the anniversary gala serves as a special night to celebrate students, partnerships, and organizational impact. Actor Larenz Tate returns to host the proceedings following a last year event that raised nearly $5 million, according to the source reports. Jackson State University alumna and media personality Tambra Cherie returns to serve as the red carpet host. Individual tickets for the gala are priced at $2,500.
Grammy Winner Ledisi Headlines Entertainment
Musical entertainment for the gala features Grammy-winning vocalist Ledisi, as reported by GlobeNewswire. Alongside a Grammy win and multiple nominations, Ledisi’s career accolades include three Soul Train Music Awards, 19 NAACP Image Award nominations, an NAACP Theatre Award, and an NAACP nomination for breakthrough performance in a film. The high-profile evening also highlights TMCF scholars who have demonstrated exceptional academic and professional achievement.
DC CEO Impact NOW Awards Schedule
Ahead of the anniversary gala, TMCF will host the DC CEO Impact NOW Awards on Sept. 10, 2026, at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The event focuses on industry leaders, visionaries, and changemakers, offering an evening of networking and recognizing excellence in expanding economic mobility and educational access. Honorees for the CEO Impact Awards include Shauna Tucker Sims (The Links, Inc.), Dr. Mark Frohman (Frohman Consulting Corp.), and member organizations of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, also known as the Divine Nine. Dr. Williams stated in the reports that the CEO Impact Awards provide an opportunity to recognize individuals who have paved the way for future generations of students. Entertainment for the Sept. 10 event features actor and music producer DJ Jazzy Jeff alongside singer-songwriter Marsha Ambrosius. Tickets for the CEO Impact NOW Awards are $500. Proceeds from ticket sales support scholarships, career pathways, leadership development, and student opportunities.
