Ashley Graham at the Gala / Photo by Jason Kempin & Getty Images
Last week, nonprofit organization Urban Arts Partnership celebrated its 25th Anniversary in New York City at the iconic Cipriani Wall Street with actress, activist and co-founder Rosie Perez as the evening’s emcee.
Saturday Night Live‘s Cecily Strong, actress Debi Mazar and actor Paul Schneider opened the night with a hilarious skit tied to arts education programs, the core of the Urban Arts Partnership. Supermodel Ashley Graham sparkled in Badgley Mischka and Jimmy Choos as she was honored for her commitment and contribution to furthering the organization’s mission, and fellow honoree Michael Ealy — who was unable to attend due to the snowstorm of last week — provided a touching message via video to the organization’s students and guests.
Urban Arts Partnership Artistic Board Member and award-winning artist Andra Day stunned in a Zara jumpsuit and Giuseppe Zanotti heels as she belted her hit “Rise Up,” dedicating the song to Perez and all of the organization, while singer Grace received a standing ovation for her a cappella performance of “You Don’t Own Me” after technical difficulties with the track music.
The evening wrapped with a performance by Darryl “DMC” McDaniels including hit “Walk This Way,” which brought the entire crowd to the dance floor. Additional notable guests in attendance included AJ Calloway, Lion Babe, Yolonda Ross, Allen Maldonado, Rotimi Akinosho, DJ D-Nice, Diane Neal, Ramon Rodriguez, Elle Varner, among others.
