Black Theatre United's inaugural gala will be October 30 at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York.

A Salute to Broadway Legends: Past, Present, and Future, the evening—celebrating the indelible mark that Black culture has had and continues to have on Broadway—will feature performances by BTU Founders Vanessa Williams, Norm Lewis, Audra McDonald, LaChanze, Billy Porter, Capathia Jenkins, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Darius de Haas, Natasha Yvette Williams, and Lillias White.

The Gala will honor Grammy-winning producer, singer, and songwriter Kandi Burruss; actor, director, producer, and philanthropist LaTanya Richardson Jackson; Oscar-winning actor and philanthropist Samuel L. Jackson; Trate Productions President Robyn Coles; Cerevel Therapeutics Chairman of the Board Dr. N Anthony Coles; and Dr. Indira Etwaroo, the Arts & Culture executive and director of Steve Jobs Theatre at Apple.

Attendees can also expect a live auction.

BTU Co-Founder Vanessa Williams says, “Black Theatre United is thrilled to have Business for Good be our lead sponsor for our first annual gala. BFG invests in people to build better businesses, stronger communities, and a more equitable world. A perfect alignment for BTU’s vision and commitment. Diversity is a fact, but inclusion is a choice.“

BTU was founded to build pathways of access and opportunities for Black and other students and industry professionals who have been historically marginalized in the theatre community. Proceeds from the gala will support BTU’s empowering programs in mentorships, student internships, BTU’s Annual Advocacy Summit, and BTU’s Education program.

The gala had originally been scheduled for October 2022 but was postponed due to scheduling conflicts.

Tickets begin at $1,000, and tables begin at $10,000 and are available by clicking here.