Please join us for The Wright Museum’s 2024 Gala

Please join us for The Wright Museum's 2024 Gala And Still We Rise: Music. Movements. Moments.

DETROIT, MI, October 7, 2024 - The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History will host its annual gala on Saturday, October 19th, at its Warren Ave. location. The theme is 'And Still We Rise, Music & Movements.' The evening is a celebration of African American culture joy, love, resilience, innovation, and creativity. It is also a kickoff to our 60th Anniversary. Together, attendees will honor the movements and moments that shaped us while looking forward to the future. This event embodies the essence of "rising"- a powerful reminder that through music, movements, and moments, African Americans have always, and will always, rise. 

And Still We Rise: Music. Movements. Moments celebrates this ongoing journey and is a tribute to the sounds and movement shaping America's cultural heartbeat. "Our evening pays homage to Detroit's musical heartbeat, from Jazz to Motown to hip hop, techno, and rap and spans six iconic decades of music and movement and its profound effect on the culture. "We look forward to highlighting the artists, activists, and change-makers who rose and still rise to the occasion of ensuring this institution can continue to thrive," said museum President & CEO Neil A. Barclay. 

In 1965, Dr. Charles H. Wright founded the International Afro-American Museum to instill respect, wonder and a sense of self-knowledge for African American youth. Now, nearly 60 years later, our mission continues to amplify the contributions, voices, rhythms, and spirit of the African American people who have transformed history. 

In 2025 The Charles H. Wright Museum celebrates an incredible milestone. It was almost six decades ago when Dr. Wright's vision, to ensure children and youth knew their history, began. Today, The Charles H. Wright Museum, inspired by Dr. Wright's vision, is excited to kick off a year-long initiative where we intentionally celebrate our past and create our future. 

For 60 years, countless stakeholders and partners have dedicated themselves to ensure that The Wright Museum's continues its mission to open minds and change lives through the exploration and celebration of the rich cultural legacy of African Americans. Whether through our exhibitions, events, educational programs, community connections, a space has been created where the adversity and achievement of African American history can inspire everyone toward greater understanding, acceptance, and unity.

GALA SCHEDULE 

  • 5:30pm Sponsor and VIP Ticket Holder Reception 
  • 6:15pm Doors Open 
  • 6:30pm Cocktails & Strolling Dinner 
  • 7:15pm Program and 60th Anniversary Kickoff 
  • 9:00pm Jit & Joy Afterparty 

ATTIRE 

  • Black Tie Gala Attire 

PARKING AND EVENT ENTRANCE 

Complimentary valet parking is available at the special event entrance on Warren Street at the Warren Circle. Self-parking is available in the DIA Cultural Center Parking Lot on John R. the parking fee is $7.00. 

Tickets for the event are on sale now at www.thewright.org. For more information and sponsorship details, please call 313.494.5894.

About the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History was founded in 1965 and is in the heart of Midtown Detroit’s Cultural Center. The Wright Museum’s mission is to open minds and change lives through the exploration and celebration of African American history and culture. And Still We Rise: Our Journey Through African American History and Culture — the museum’s 22,000 square foot, immersive core exhibit — is one of the largest, single exhibitions surveying the history of African Americans. The Wright Museum houses over 35,000 artifacts and archival materials and offers more than 300 public programs and events annually.
 

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Media Contacts:

Char Yates
Director of Media Relations 
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History 
cyates@thewright.org 
313.494-5839 

Kelly Miner 
Marketing & Communications Manager 
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History 
kminer@thewright.org 
313.494.5865