Healing Justice Santa Barbara Announces 2nd Annual Black is Beautiful Gala

Healing Justice Santa Barbara Announces 2nd Annual Black is Beautiful Gala: A Celebration of Black Excellence Through the Decades – Tickets on Sale Now

Tickets are now available for Healing Justice Santa Barbara’s 2nd Annual Black is Beautiful Gala, taking place Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 5:00–9:00 PM at the SBCC Great Meadow. Guests are invited to attend in formal attire in shades of red for an unforgettable evening honoring Black Excellence Through the Decades.

This year’s theme celebrates the extraordinary cultural contributions of Black/African American individuals across generations—spotlighting the artists, visionaries, innovators, and changemakers who have shaped and enriched our society.

The Black is Beautiful Gala is a gala for and by the Black community, challenging traditional, exclusionary fundraising norms while welcoming all who care about Black lives and wish to show support. It’s an evening that affirms and celebrates Black joy, beauty, and leadership in a historically affirming space.

“We are committed to carrying forward the legacies of our ancestors by honoring the traditions that have long sustained our community,” said Simone Ruskamp and Letica Forney Resch, Co-Executive Directors of Healing Justice SB. “We draw inspiration from groups like the George Washington Carver Club, which flourished in the 1940s, raising scholarship funds, confronting inequities, and hosting galas that united people in joy, purpose, and collective care.”

Guests will enjoy live performances, a keynote speaker, a curated auction, youth and community awards, dinner, dessert, and dancing with a live band. Attendees are invited to wear formal attire in shades of red. 

Proceeds from the Gala will benefit three key initiatives:

• Sojourner Kincaid Rolle Youth Artivism Scholarship Fund (Goal: $10,000) – Scholarships for Black/African American  high school students in HJSB’s Black Student Alliance program.
• General Operating Support for HJSB (Goal: $70,000) – Expanding free, culturally responsive programming for Black youth and families across Santa Barbara County.
• Black Community Emergency Needs Fund (Goal: $20,000) – Providing immediate relief for urgent housing, education, transportation, health, and other needs.

Tickets are on sale now at hjsb.org/bib-2025. Sponsorship opportunities are also available; visit our website to download the full sponsorship deck. For questions, email info@hjsb.org.