Attendees of the BAP Gala

The Black Alumni of Pratt (BAP) hosted its 28th annual “Celebration of the Creative Spirit” Scholarship Benefit Gala at the Park Hyatt New York in Manhattan on May 8, honoring individuals and companies in the world of art and design whose accomplishments and values resonate with those of Pratt Institute.

This year’s honorees were supermodel and actress Naomi Campbell, who was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award presented by designer Marc Jacobs and accepted on her behalf by Christy Turlington; David N. and Joyce B. Dinkins, who were honored with the inaugural David N. and Joyce B. Dinkins Pinnacle Award presented by Sylvia Rhone, President of Epic Records; renowned artist David Hockney, who was recognized with a Lifetime of Artistic Excellence Award presented by Ian Alteveer, Aaron I. Fleischman Curator, Department of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art; and Creative Spirit Award recipients Virgil Abloh, creative director, fashion designer, and artistic director at Louis Vuitton; and Pat McGrath, renowned makeup artist and entrepreneur.

The event was attended by prominent members of New York City’s cultural, philanthropic, civic, and entertainment communities, such as former U.S. Congressman Charles Rangel, as well as Pratt President Frances Bronet; BAP co-presidents Gerri Brown and Darius Somers; and BAP founder Dwight Johnson. WABC-TV News Anchor Lori Stokes served as Mistress of Ceremonies. The gala was spotlighted by the New York Times in its Scene City section and was also covered on Page Six of the New York Post.

The evening also featured the announcement of the 2018 Marcio Moreira Multicultural Scholarship and McCann Internship winners. Sponsored by global marketing firm McCann Worldgroup, the annual scholarship recognizes top academic junior students studying communications design.

Since its inception in 1990, BAP has raised more than $5 million to further the BAP endowed student scholarship effort, provide pre-college awards for high school students looking to pursue an arts education, and help fund other BAP initiatives.

Photos: (top) Julie Skarratt; (bottom row) New York Times, Scene City