After marking the 10-year remembrance of Michael Brown Jr. last year, this year’s Black Ball focuses on the next chapter—Building a Legacy. The event represents a commitment to turning pain into progress and creating lasting change for future generations.

Black Ball 2025 unites community leaders, activists, and supporters in celebration of resilience, justice, and collective action. The goal is not only to honor the past but to lay the foundation for a stronger, more empowered tomorrow.

Our Esteemed Awardees

The Black Ball 2025 celebrates individuals and organizations who embody the spirit of resilience, leadership, and service. Our awardees are changemakers dedicated to building stronger, more empowered communities. Through their commitment to justice, advocacy, and healing, they continue to create lasting impact and pave the way for a better future. We are proud to recognize their contributions as part of this year’s Building a Legacy theme.

  • Demarco Davidson

    From education and engineering to youth development and political organizing, DeMarco has dedicated his life to empowering communities. He has led voter initiatives, mentored youth, and served as Executive Director for the Michael Brown Sr. Chosen For Change Foundation. Now with Metropolitan Congregations United, he’s organizing faith leaders and voters to dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline and build unity across Missouri.

  • St. Peter's United Church of Christ

    An Open and Affirming congregation with over 183 years of ministry, St. Peter’s has a legacy of combining faith with community action, helping to found organizations like Every Child’s Hope and the Deaconess Foundation. Through their Resource Center, they provide free medical clinics, showers, youth programs, and grief support. Their mission: to welcome all and work toward a just, compassionate, and inclusive North County.

  • Diamond Diva Empowerment Foundation

    It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

  • The People's Response

    Led by Action St. Louis and ForTheCultureSTL, The People’s Response mobilized thousands of volunteers, provided life-saving supplies, and supported residents in recovery. Their work continues today—centering Black communities and building a model for equitable disaster relief and long-term community power.