On a warm Friday evening in Salt Lake City, as the sun dipped behind the Wasatch Mountains, something sacred unfolded.
The terrace at Edison House came alive with intention, elegance, and legacy. Guests were welcomed by the serene strings of harpist Maren Laurence, followed by the spirited rhythm of African drummers. This was no ordinary night, it was the Men of IMPACT Juneteenth Honorary Gala, held not by coincidence, but by intention.
IMPACT Magazine and Terrace Metrics honored four Black men whose lives have defined excellence and shifted culture across industries and generations:
• Dr. William A. Smith, whose concept of Racial Battle Fatigue is now a cornerstone in education, mental health, and justice
• Phillip C. Williams, founder of Chicago Fire Escape, Inc., the only Black-owned fire escape repair company in the U.S.
• Troy Vincent, Sr., NFL Executive VP and former Walter Payton Man of the Year whose leadership extends far beyond the field
• Rodney Barnes, Peabody and Eisner Award-winning screenwriter (The Boondocks, Winning Time, Blacula) who continues to shape cultural conversations with power and grace
As Dr. Smith so eloquently said:
“Tunisha’s work reminds us that celebration can also be a form of resistance and restoration.”
From the curated ambiance to the auction of luxury experiences, including a bespoke suit by Tailor Cooperative, a spa facial from St. Regis & a Minky Couture blanket, and curated gifts from Uncle Nearest, Acrely Farms, and Isha Recovery & Sculpt; every detail reflected our mission: to empower, encourage, educate, and give back.
We raised $3,600 that night for the Evelyn Yvonne Brown Resource Scholarship, bringing us to $8,600 raised toward our goal of $15,000. This scholarship, created in honor of my mother, is designed to provide young students with not only funds, but real tools to help them lead, create, and shape the world.
Caitlin Andrew, President of Tailor Cooperative, shared this on why they chose to support:
“Tailor Cooperative is proud to support IMPACT Magazine’s scholarship gala. IMPACT’s mission aligns closely with our own as we believe in the power of confidence and self-expression, and we’re honored to contribute to an event that uplifts and celebrates the next generation of changemakers and community leaders.”
Special congratulations to Beth Martial of PROG Foundation, who won the luxury spa bundle, and Miles Patterson of MyMynd, walked away with a custom suit tailored in excellence by Tailor Cooperative.
This gala was a call to action; to continue honoring our heroes, investing in our future, and building something greater than ourselves.
With purpose and gratitude,
Tunisha Brown
Founder/Editor-In-Chief | IMPACT Magazine
