We Speak Entertainment
Jussie Smollett, Kelly Price, Amiyah Scott, Tarell McCraney & More Attend Gentlemen’s Ball 2017

THE GENTLEMEN’S FOUNDATION RAISES OVER 60K FOR LGBTQIA PEOPLE OF COLOR AT
THE 6TH ANNUAL GENTLEMEN’S BALL IN ATLANTA
Annual Ball Featured Performance by Grammy Nominated Artist Kelly Price;
Also Featured Performances by Gentleman of Artistry Coriology & Gentlewoman of Artistry Tyra B
Over this past weekend, The Gentlemen’s Foundation hosted their 6th Annual Gentlemen’s Ball (powered by UPS) at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel. The 2017 theme “We Are Royalty” celebrated all people of color identifying as LGBTQIA. Additionally, the black-tie gala ball and awards ceremony celebrated individuals within the LGBTQ community who have been committed to social change and enhancement of the quality of life. Guests and honorees for this year’s ball included Tarell McCraney (“Moonlight”), Tracee McDaniel (founder of “Juxtaposed Center for Transformation”), Amiyah Scott (“STAR” on FOX), Charles Stephens (Writer/Creator of The Counter Narrative Project), Darlene Hudson (“State of Black Gay America Summit and Southern Unity Movement”), Julian Walker (“BLACKBIRD,” “Being Mary Jane” on BET), Jack Mizrahi, Melissa Scott (VH1 “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta”), Chief Joel Baker (City of Atlanta Fire & Rescue Department), Sharon Lettman-Hicks (Executive Director/CEO National Black Justice Coalition), Coriology, Tyra B, Derek J (“Real Housewives of Atlanta”), Miss Lawrence (Bravo’s “Fashion Queens”), Jussie Smollett (“EMPIRE” on FOX), Kelly Price, Bevy Smith (“Radio Andy” on Sirius XM) and more.
Under the theme, “We Are Royalty,” this year’s fundraising gala and celebration was the signature event of The Gentlemen’s Ball Weekend, September 29th through October 1st, 2017. The three days of programming were filled with activities for guests and allies to recharge and reimagine their lives. Empowering experiences included: a health & wellness fair, workshops on love, relationships and financial planning, along with parties, mixers and socials before and after the ball. On Friday, September 29, ball attendees were invited to two free panel discussions with tastemakers in the business and entertainment industry’s. Special panelists included Ryan Anderson (“SunTrust Bank”), Vaughn Alvarez (“CR8 Agency,” Publicist), Gocha Hawkins (WE tv, “LA HAIR”), Melissa Scott (“Traxx Girls”), Lisa Cunningham and more.
On Sunday, October 1, following the ball, The Gentlemen’s Foundation hosted a “Royal Brunch,” that featured a special Q&A with current select Atlanta Mayoral candidates. In attendance were Mayoral candidates: Cathy Woolard, Ceasar Mitchell, Keisha Lance Bottoms, Laban King, Michael Sterling, Peter Aman and John Eaves. All candidates addressed important issues impacting the city of Atlanta and it’s LGBTQIA citizens.
The Gentlemen’s Foundation was founded by Juan and Gee Smalls, an African American Atlanta based same-gender loving couple who also serve as certified relationship counselors, philanthropists, and life coaches. The foundation is a non-profit organization committing to broader social change and encouraging individual and collective empowerment as well as public service, leadership, philanthropy, and networking.
To learn more about The Gentlemen’s Foundation visit: www.TheGentlemensFoundation.org.
We Speak Podcast
Music Therapy & Motivation Season 2, Episode 6 – “The Resurgence of RIMIDI: Soul, Self & Service”


If you’re drawn to deeply soulful voices and stories of artistic rebirth, don’t miss this episode. Gino Black sits down with RIMIDI, a rising indie-soul vocalist whose latest work channels vulnerability and empowerment.
What You’ll Learn:
- Rediscovering Purpose: RIMIDI walks through her comeback story—how she reclaimed her artistry after stepping back, and the creative clarity that followed.
- Lyrics as Healing: Discover how she uses songwriting as a therapeutic medium, tackling identity, mental health, and community through music.
- Empowerment Through Action: From launching GEMCulture.org to uplifting others via Fund‑a‑GEM, RIMIDI merges creative expression with communal support.
- Practical Wisdom: Ideal for independent artists—RIMIDI shares how she navigates self-promotion, audience engagement, and maintaining authenticity throughout the process.
The Takeaway:
This episode transcends the norm—it’s not just motivation, it’s a movement. RIMIDI’s journey is a blueprint for anyone reclaiming their voice, creative drive, or purpose. Her blend of soulful artistry and grassroots community work reminds us that music can heal both artist and audience.
Final Word:
RIMIDI’s episode is a stirring testament to resilience, artistry, and empowerment. Gino Black masterfully guides the conversation from personal growth to community building. Listeners—whether creatives, dreamers, or supporters—will walk away fueled by hope and inspiration.
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