Honoring Nona Hendryx, Sade Lythcott, Maori Holmes, Rachel Cargle, Pascale Sablan & Jason Reynolds
On a radiant spring evening, the David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center was transformed into a luminous tapestry of artistry, resilience, and unapologetic celebration. The occasion? The 8th Annual Black Girl Magic Ball, held on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, and curated by author, activist, and Lincoln Center poet-in-residence Dr. Mahogany L. Browne.
Each year, the Ball uplifts the excellence of Black women across generations, and this year’s theme — “We Be The Future” — was a powerful declaration of purpose and possibility. In a world too often marked by erasure and marginalization, the Black Girl Magic Ball stood as a bold affirmation: Black women and girls are architects of culture, catalysts for change, and keepers of community.
More than a celebration, the event also served as a benefit for Urban Word NYC, a nonprofit organization that nurtures youth voices through poetry, leadership development, and the prestigious National Youth Poet Laureate Program.
Honoring Excellence Across Disciplines
The 2025 honorees represented a spectrum of brilliance across the arts, activism, design, and literature:
Nona Hendryx – Legendary singer, songwriter, producer, and author Sade Lythcott – CEO of the National Black Theatre Maori Holmes – Filmmaker, curator, and CEO of BlackStar Projects Rachel Cargle – Social justice educator and founder of The Loveland Foundation Pascale Sablan – Architect, author, and DEI advocate Jason Reynolds – Bestselling author and literacy champion (Ally Honoree)
Their work continues to challenge systems, shape culture, and inspire generations to dream and do more.
A Multi-Sensory Experience of Black Joy
From the moment guests entered, the space buzzed with intention. Immersive activations from Good Mirrors and Le’ Grand Fleur invited reflection and celebration, while music by Pinkyy created a soundscape that set the tone for the night.
Performances were curated to stir the soul and spotlight Black artistic excellence:
A passionate spoken word performance by Kai Giovanni, New York City’s Youth Poet Laureate Electrifying movement from AbunDance Dance Company, a Brooklyn-based powerhouse An emotionally rich vocal performance by Shyvonne, whose sound blended strength and vulnerability
The evening concluded with a joyful call to the dance floor, where guests “put their Boots on the Ground” for a communal line dance — a perfect expression of Black joy, unity, and legacy.
Powered by Purpose
This year’s Ball was made possible by a powerful lineup of partners and sponsors, including:
Lincoln Center Good Mirrors Penguin Random House Sheedy Literary Agency Big Mouth Toothbrush by Dr. Bobbi GoodSocial IBest Wines Ten to One Rum
Their support underscored the importance of investing in the brilliance and future of Black women and girls.
In every speech, performance, and tribute, the message was clear: Black Girl Magic is not a trend — it’s a legacy. It is woven into the fabric of our past, present, and, as this year’s theme insisted, our future.
From the groundbreaking honorees to the rising youth leaders, the 2025 Black Girl Magic Ball offered more than celebration. It offered a vision — one where Black women continue to lead, innovate, heal, and transform the world around them.
Because when Black women thrive, we all thrive.
To learn more about Urban Word NYC, visit: www.urbanwordnyc.org
Follow Dr. Mahogany L. Browne on Instagram: @mahoganylbrowne
Explore the work of the honorees:
Nona Hendryx | Sade Lythcott | Maori Holmes | Rachel Cargle | Pascale Sablan | Jason Reynolds
Photography by Exilus Media Photography & Britton Renaissance Photography
