Through events like this, UNCF is changing the HBCU narrative across the nation by helping underrepresented students to get to and through college —UNCF will host its 5th annual Mayor’s Masked Ball benefiting Edward Waters University on March 27th at the Hyatt Regency Riverfront. Nearly 300 corporate partners, educators, religious leaders and community influencers are expected to attend.
For 81 years, UNCF has strived to change the HBCU narrative across the nation by equipping more historically Black college and university (HBCU) students with the resources necessary to transition into college, graduate and ultimately establish careers that will build better futures for our society.
“I believe 2026 is a year ripe with potential for growth, innovation and the opportunity to contribute positively to the mission of UNCF and the value of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), said Dr. Michael L. Lomax, president and CEO, UNCF.
“I am particularly excited about events like this one and other initiatives we have lined up for this year. Together, we have the opportunity to nurture collaboration, spark creativity and strengthen our collective resilience to provide the essential financial resources necessary to ensure the continued success of HBCUs and their students,” Dr. Lomax said.
“As we approach our ninth decade of existence, UNCF remains vigilant and more committed than ever to achieving our mission of helping underrepresented students to fulfill their college dreams and attain career success. No obstacles that might come our way will impede our progress. We stand ready to fight for the critical financial resources HBCUs will need to tackle the challenges and opportunities that await them. Events like the Mayor’s Masked Ball benefiting Edward Waters University help us do just that.”
Sponsors include CSX, Florida Blue, Hyatt Regency Riverfront, VyStar Credit Union, Wells Fargo and many others.
Florida Blue will receive the UNCF Champion of Education award for their steadfast commitment to education and unwavering support of UNCF.
“Edward Waters University is profoundly grateful for UNCF’s unwavering commitment to expanding access, opportunity, and equity in higher education,” said Dr. A. Zachary Faison, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of Edward Waters University. “The Mayor’s Masked Ball is more than a celebration—it is an investment in the aspirations and potential of our students. Support from the Jacksonville community through events like this directly empowers our students to persist, graduate, and lead.”
With the help of the Jacksonville community, $620,000 was awarded last year in scholarships and programs for UNCF-member HBCUs and other colleges and universities, including Edward Waters University.
Entertainment will be provided by Dats Pressure. The event will also feature student testimonials and a red-carpet parade of dignitaries as well as a special performance by the Edward Waters University band. Last year, more than $300,000 was raised to help deserving students from the Jacksonville area get to and through college successfully.
For more information and sponsorship opportunities, contact Paul Gloersen at 407-491-1264or by email at paul.gloersen@uncf.org. Unable to attend, but want to make a difference in a student’s life? To stay connected to UNCF throughout the year, please visit uncf.org/jaxmmb.
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About UNCF
UNCF is one of the nation’s largest and most effective supporters of higher education and serves as a leading advocate for college-bound students. Since its founding in 1944, UNCF has raised more than $6 billion to support students’ access to higher education, provide scholarships and strengthen historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Each year, UNCF awards more than 11,000 scholarships totaling more than $62 million. The scholarships support students attending more than 600 US-based colleges and universities including 37 UNCF-member HBCUs. Through its efforts, UNCF has helped generations of students to get to and through college. We believe a college education plays a vital role in fortifying the pipeline of leaders and professionals who contribute to the advancement of our society. Our logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and our widely recognized trademark is, ‟A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”® Learn more at UNCF.org or for continuous updates and news, follow UNCF on Instagram.
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