Download the 2025 Program Book

Party with a Purpose

Please join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating 15 years of creativity and community.

FUEL THE FUTURE: TAKE CENTER STAGE GALA

Friday, November 21, 2025 | 6pm
August Wilson African American Cultural Center
980 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA

In honor of the 15th Anniversary of our iconic facility and what would have been August Wilson’s 80th birth year, this signature event will honor Wilson’s legacy and highlight the Center’s world-class programming, on stage and in our galleries.

Your presence and support is more important than ever before.

Your investment in the future of the Center ensures we can support artists, inspire the next generation, and honor the power of our stories.

The evening will feature:

• A curated dinner experience with a menu inspired by culinary historian Dr. Jessica B. Harris.
• Luminary Awards for three renowned artists with roots in Pittsburgh: Antoine Fuqua, Lamman Rucker, and Tamara Tunie.
• Trailblazer Awards for four Pittsburgh-based leaders: Tenel Dorsey, Marlon Gist, Monica Malik, and Ayisha A. Morgan-Lee, EdD.
• Guided gallery tours featuring the highly anticipated return of Peju Alatise’s “Flying Girls” sculpture installation.
• A Special Live Performance featuring Dan Wilson reprising his sold-out tribute to George Benson, with special guest Nigel Hall.

Attire – Creative Black Tie

6pm – Arrivals, gallery tours, & cocktails
7pm – Seated dinner
8:15pm – Awards & live performances
9:15pm – Dessert & Celebration

Individual tickets: $550
Performance, Awards, and Dessert only: $150

Click here to purchase.

Special thanks to presenting sponsor UPMC and UPMC Health Plan.

Become an Event Sponsor

Contact Chahni Peeples, Director, Corporate Partnerships for more information: cpeeples at awaacc.org or 412-930-0746.

Learn More About Sponsor Benefits

2025 Fuel the Future: Take Center Stage Gala Host Committee

Co-Chairs
Derrick and Kelle Wilson

Corporate Chair
Kevin Walker, CEO, Duquesne Light Company

• Aerion and Tamara Abney
• Makayla & Emmai Alaquiva
• Curtis Aiken
• Khamil Bailey
• Arthur L. Baldwin and the Honorable Cynthia A. Baldwin
• Alison & Andrew Beam, UPMC
• Jerad Bachar
• Barata and Tammy Bey
• Bryan and Katrina Brantley
• Janis Burley and Erwin Campbell
• Kanika and Jeff Capel
• Debra Caplan
• Jackie Dixon
• Malesia Dunn
• Dr. Edmund D. Effort DDS
• Gretchen & William Generett Jr.
• Keri Harmicar and David Benjamin Seman
• Denise & Cain Hayes
• Anna Hollis & Gregg Kander
• Andrea T. & Glenn R. Mahone
• David and Luci Massaro
• Tracey McCants Lewis
• Crystal McCormick Ware
• Kenneth and Pamela McCrory
• Sabrina Saunders Mosby and Brandon Mosby
• Danielle Parson
• Andre Perry
• Herky Pollock and Lisa Acquaviva Pollock
• Darlene L. and Robert J. Powell
• Rex Rideout
• Howard and April Russell
• Shiv K. Sethi
• Nia Sioux
• Felicia E. Snead, MD
• Neicy and Mark Clayton Southers
• Morton Stanfield
• Denise Turner
• Jeremy Waldrup
• Mike Walker
• Dr. Wayne Walters
• Geovette Washington and Jeffrey Robinson
• Doris Carson Williams
• Bobby and Deborah Wilson
• Constanza Romero Wilson
• Elise and Charles Yanders

Honorees