UNCF Statement about the 2020 New Orleans UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball

After consultation with key supporters, donors and New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, UNCF (United Negro College Fund) has decided out of an abundance of caution to move the date of the upcoming New Orleans UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball that was scheduled for Saturday, March 14. Public health concerns must take precedent right now. The new date for the UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball will be forthcoming.

UNCF conducts major fundraising balls and galas nationally and throughout the year as a means to provide critical support to deserving college students and to UNCF’s 37 member private historically black college and universities (HBCUs).

The New Orleans UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball is a private event funded by UNCF donors and sponsors, and is hosted by Mayor Cantrell, with whom we have a great relationship and sincerely appreciate her ardent support. However, UNCF understands the concerns around the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) and respectfully wishes to keep everyone safe until this public health crisis can be resolved.

For 76 years, UNCF has helped more than half a million students attend college, but every day we must turn away nine out of 10 students due to lack of funding. Our HBCUs, like Xavier and Dillard universities, both located in New Orleans, and the students they serve depend on UNCF’s support through events such as the Mayor’s Masked Ball.

We thank the greater New Orleans community for the continued support of the work and mission of UNCF.