Join us for the Dream Gala, a powerful Juneteenth celebration centered on Honoring Our Past, Strengthening Our Present, and Investing in Our Future.
CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH WITH US
On Juneteenth (June 19th), the community will gather at The Grand 1891 for an evening of inspiration, reflection, and celebration. Our gala is hosted by the African American Leadership Society (AALS), an affinity group of United Way of Anderson County. This year’s event is especially meaningful as we celebrate the 20th Anniversary of AALS and its lasting impact on leadership, philanthropy, and opportunity in our community.
The Dream Gala is more than a celebration—it is a commitment to building a stronger future together. Through powerful storytelling, fellowship, and purpose-driven giving, we will reflect on the legacy that brought us here, recognize the work shaping our present, and invest boldly in the generations to come. Our keynote speaker is Pastor Stacey D. Mills, Chairman of the Urban League of the Upstate and Senior Pastor of Mountain View Baptist Church of Greenville.
Be part of this milestone evening as we celebrate freedom, progress, and the power of community. A portion of the proceeds for this event will be given to Proverbs Mentoring Organization, the Jane Edna Hunter Empowerment Center, and the Value Village Collective.
Attire: Cocktail or Semi-Formal
If you are unable to attend this event, but still want to support the mission behind the African American Leadership Society and the United Way of Anderson County, you can donate by clicking here.
AWARDS
At the Dream Gala, we honor community leaders who have been diligently working in Anderson County. The award recipients are listed below.
2026 Emerging Leader Award:
Corey Davis
2026 Dr. Beatrice Thompson Legacy Award:
Wyona Moss Ashley
2026 Ambassador Leadership Award:
David Blanding
2026 Community Leader Award:
Amika Thomas
2026 Community Organization Award:
Pendleton Foundation for Black History and Culture
Event Tickets
Registration is now closed for the 2026 Dream Gala. If you would like to join a waitlist for additional tickets please contact Jada Hudson at jada@uwandsc.org.
OUR SPONSORS
Urban League of the Upstate
Minority Health Coalition
Tri-County Technical College
AnMed
Colonial Pipeline
AALS Founders
Drs. Leander and Gabrielle Cannick
Dr. Chaka Smith
Luther Hill
The City of Anderson
Pendleton Foundation for Black History and Culture
Advanced Metalworks
State Farm: Terrance Roberts and Terrance Hassan
Royal Baptist Church
The Value Village Collective
St. Paul Baptist Church
Anderson School District V
Jerome and Charlene Hudson
Blue Ride Electric Co-Op
Anderson Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Inc.
Senior Helpers
Amika Thomas
Pinnacle Financial Partners
The Mending Hearts Initiative