By Alexandria Leatherberry
The Truth Reporter
On October 11, 2025, 1983 The Brand held their 5th Annual B.L.A.K. Gala at The Premier on Heatherdown. The management and consulting group for music, media and entertainment packed their event with vendors, red carpet moments and performances.
Upon guests’ arrival, they were greeted with media attention from Mud Talk Podcast, then courted with the opportunity to step on the signature red carpet with media starlet, Jenn Rodriguez. These moments gave each individual guest a moment to be highlighted and shine much like the talent that lit up the stage.
Host Montrice Terry kept the stage hot while introducing the talent that fueled the energy of the room. The stage performances included artists selected from multi-city auditions, each contributing strong, star energy. Tributes to Tina Turner by Kim Anderson and to Luther Vandross from Lamar Anthem followed the original musical sets by Kayla Renee and YLA, accompanied by the live 1983 Music Band.
The magnitude of media moments and glorious entertainment selection were an exemplification of the support given to the evening for the purpose of giving back to community pillars.
The B.L.A.K. Gala event has grown to host over 450+ guests in attendance to patron vendors, donate to community initiatives, and honor the evening’s Awardees. The gala’s acronym, meaning Balance Life Acquire Knowledge, is an attested mission with proceeds benefiting organizations such as Mom’s House, The Program, Inc., and Isaiah 117 House.
“We throw this gala for the community; it has not been about us,” said Jason Rayford, 1983 The Brand Founder. This year, the gala honored the program Brothers United under Avis Files, the director of Family and Supportive Services at Pathway Inc. Files launched Brothers United in 2015 to empower the father figure role. Over the years, under her leadership, Brothers United expanded from supporting young fathers and men to also providing tailored programs for mothers and encouraging co-parenting. These initiatives have collectively served over 3,000 families, positively influencing family stability and community strength.
“Fathers are the most important to the family,” stated Files. She left the stage energized by her mission to uplift Black male empowerment as a vital, but sometimes overlooked, element of community advancement.
Files’ act of selfless work was not the only impact recognized that evening. Jason Rayford also received a resolution from the Toledo City Council acknowledging 1983 The Brand’s B.L.A.K. Gala for cultural excellence and community advancement. This recognition highlighted Rayford’s dedication to designing an event that directly supports key community figures through annual charitable giving, vendor opportunities, and celebration of positive local initiatives. It was a full circle moment for the individuals and founder Rayford, who has consistently worked to curate an event as meaningful as its mission.
The B.L.A.K. Gala is just one milestone event of 1983 the Brand. The group hosts opportunities for community connection and entertainment throughout the year. Their consistent community involvement has everyone eager for the growth of the gala event so it is to become marked as the must-attend event of the year.
