Wright Gala 2023 Masks of the Diaspora

COVID-19 Safety

To help ensure safety for our guests, we ask that all attendees take a COVID-19 test within 48 hours of the event.

Please join us for The Wright Gala 2023-Masks of the Diaspora Masquerade Ball

Doors open at 6pm. Celebration begins at 6:45pm.

Our history is our strength, and our future is our responsibility. This event will help support The Charles H. Wright Museum, our mission, vision, and programming. We will have a magical night with divine food and libations, along with dancing and a special first look preview of our Fall 2023 Exhibition.  

We hope that even if you cannot attend the event, you will support our fundraising efforts by shopping the Auction (available in September), or donating directly. 

As you browse the incredible selection of art, luxurious experiences and merchandise we hope that you will shop knowing that you are not just buying an object, you are fueling the work of this museum, which only exists because of the support of people like you.  

ORDER OF EVENTS

6:00pm     Cocktails & Strolling Dinner Begins

6:30pm     Tours of Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design Begin

8:00pm     Gala Honoree Ceremony

9:00pm     Afroluxxe Afrobeats Afterparty

ATTIRE

Afroluxxe Black-tie Masks and crowns optional

PARKING AND EVENT ENTRANCE

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

2023 GALA HONOREES

PHILANTHROPISTS - TYRONE DAVENPORT AND LINDA FORTE
For more than 20 years, Tyrone Davenport and Linda Forte have been instrumental to the success and sustainability of The Wright Museum. Together, they have raised millions, and have made a difference to youth, and made arts & culture accessible to all in the community.

TYRONE DAVENPORT

Tyrone Davenport retired from Bank One as Senior VP of Technology Risk Management in June 2001, after 35 years of service. Prior to retirement, Davenport held numerous senior management positions in the technology field for NBD Bank, First Chicago NBD and Bank One. He serves on the boards of the Detroit Omega Foundation and the Board of Visitors of the School of Pharmacy at Wayne State University. 

LINDA FORTE 
After 42 years, in 2016 Linda D. Forte retired from Comerica Bank, where she served as Senior VP of Business Affairs and Comerica's Chief Diversity Officer. Linda also served as Board Chair of the Economic Development Corporation of the City of Detroit and a Director of the Local Development Finance Authority, Neighborhood Development Corporation of the City, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and New Detroit. 

EDUCATOR - DR. GLENDA PRICE

Dr. Glenda Price has been a dedicated donor and volunteer for The Wright. She's provided invaluable support to the museum's internal assessment, organizational development, and succession planning. 

Dr. Price is an educator and former president of Marygrove College; and she was the first African American woman to serve in this position. Dr. Price also served as the president of the Detroit Public Schools Foundation and the American Society for Medical Technology, and as Provost for Spelman College.

ARTIST - JAMES CHARLES MORRIS 
James Charles Morris has most recently proven to be a dedicated supporter of The Wright with key contributions as an artist and supporter. 

In 2022 he contributed to the exhibition by Malika Pryor, To Whom Much is Given, and was a featured artist at The Wright Gala with a live painting project. He also contributed to The Wright's 40th Anniversary by securing sponsorship and designed the African World Festival 40-year retrospective.  A self-taught multidisciplinary artist, the Detroit native's work includes painting, printmaking, illustration, collage and photography for more than 20 years. Morris likes to use his work to engage in various social conversations, delving into race, spirituality, history, mental balance and community.

ADVOCATES - STATE REP. TYRONE CARTER AND STATE SENATOR SYLVIA SANTANA

State Representative Tyrone Carter and State Senator Sylvia Santana have both been staunch supporters of the museum and are dedicated advocates for the long-term sustainability of The Wright.  

REP. TYRONE CARTER
Representative Carter is serving his third term in the 1st House District, which covers a portion of Detroit and River Rouge. Carter was born, raised and educated in the district, and has continued that legacy by raising his own family in the area. He graduated from Southwestern High School and Central Michigan University and has dedicated his life and career to public service.  Carter graduated from the Wayne County Sheriff's Police Academy and spent 25 years with the Wayne County Sheriff's Office, attaining the rank of Executive Lieutenant before retiring in 2008.

STATE SENATOR SYLVIA SANTANA
Senator Sylvia Santana is a dedicated wife, mother and public servant who has successfully helped reform the state's justice system for adults and juveniles alike. She has also championed improvements to local government funding, increased funding to Michigan's public schools so students are well-prepared for their future and continues to work on policies that reduce racial disparities in health outcomes. She is serving her second term in the Michigan Senate.