17th Uncommon Height Gala

Ken Ford

NCNW’s 2021 Affiliates Assembly ended with The 17th Uncommon Height Gala that took place on the evening of November 6th. Named in honor of NCNW’s iconic leader, Dr. Dorothy Irene Height, this biannual event raises funds to support the work that NCNW carries out in the interest of empowering and advocating for women of African descent, their families, and their communities.

This year, NCNW hosted a virtual Gala around the theme, “Good Trouble Today for a Better Tomorrow.” Ms. Dawna Michelle Fields, a Vice President of NCNWs Executive Committee, and an executive of the Colgate-Palmolive Company, served as the chair of the Gala. Mr. Kenneth Frazier of Merck and Ms. Andrea Frazier served as the honorary co-chairs. The evening’s event was hosted by NCNW Executive Committee member and former Secretary of Labor, The Honorable Alexis M. Herman.

NCNW’s highest award, the Crystal Stair Award, was presented by Kenneth Frazier to his colleagues and friends, Kenneth and Kathryn Chenault. Mr. Chenault, received this award in recognition of his role as the former CEO and Chairman of American Express and his staunch support of diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion in the workplace. Ms. Chenault, received this award in recognition of her advocacy for the arts, education and health care institutions.

Ms. Oprah Winfrey presented NCNW’s inaugural Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune award to Ms. Stacey Abrams for her exceptional work as a voting rights advocate. In her acceptance remarks, Ms. Abrams encouraged us to be “fueled by the belief that more is possible if we only choose to dare!” We are most grateful to 19 of NCNW’s corporate partners, and a number of NCNW’s friends who generously supported The Gala. And we appreciate the support of all of our members and friends who purchased tickets for this grand event. This year’s Gala raised an all-time high of $1,976,000 which brought us exceedingly close to reaching our $2M goal.

To all of the basic questions that one might ask about this year’s Uncommon Height Gala, my response is a resounding “yes.”

Did the evening proceed smoothly, without any technology issue? Yes, thanks to the very professional services of Events to Remember. Did guests at this virtual Gala remain engaged? Yes, as evidenced by how many of our guests participated in the AfterGlow event and did not want to leave it.

Was important information about NCNW shared at the Gala? Yes! Anyone who did not know much about our organization now knows a good amount about the work that we do.

Were there inspiring moments throughout the evening? Yes! Just one of which was the singing of the Black National Anthem by Historically Black College and University students.

Did the event move along smoothly with a warm and sophisticated feel to it? Yes, as Secretary Herman made sure of that.

Was there good entertainment? Yes, with a performance during the Gala by electric violinist Ken Ford, and the band, Spur of the Moment during the AfterGlow party.

Was the fundraising goal for the event met? Yes! And in the days following the Uncommon Height event the event, we were able to meet our $2 Million goal. For the executive board and staff, I humbly say thank you.

Spur of the Moment