Brooklyn Public Library Presents “The People’s Ball” In Celebration Of The Style Of New York City
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By Cassell Ferere originally published on Forbes.com
April 29, 2023, on the eve of the famed MetGala, Brooklyn Public Library, held its annual celebration of style and notoriety among New York City’s most invested cultural beacons. Returning for its third year, The People's Ball is a fashion event celebrating inclusivity and individuality at the Brooklyn Public Library's Central Library at Grand Army Plaza.
Each year, The People’s Ball invites New Yorkers of all backgrounds to showcase their unique style with an opportunity to walk the runway for guests to cheer on. The event positions itself as a free alternative to exclusive galas and parties around the city during the weekend. Attendees were encouraged to express their most authentic selves with an evening hosted by actress Delissa Reynolds, currently in the WU-TANG: An American Saga series on Hulu, and cultural advocate Rob Fields, with special guest, master of ceremony, and curator Peter "Souleo" Wright.
Aiming to celebrate and honor the diversity in color, texture, and style that make up the urban runway of New York City, the event ultimately promotes inclusivity while eschewing elitism. This theme was evident in the stature of each awardee, each of the five awards delivered by co-guest host and contemporary artist Mickalene Thomas, styled in BODE.
On the runway in the Central Library's iconic lobby, Souleo, and artist Mickalene Thomas, celebrated and awarded five "People's Heroes" for their service to their respective New York City communities and the greater city area, whose work has had an impact on culture. The awardees included Aura Mejia, Tenant Organizing and Advocacy Manager at Neighbors Helping Neighbors, Asmeret Berhe-Lumax, the founder of One Love Community Fridge, a Brooklyn-based non-profit organization that supports healthy food deliveries to the New York City community fridges, and in honoring the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop, Cindy Campbell, the "First Lady of Hip Hop" and a promoter who started out with her brother, DJ Cool Herc.
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