RIVERSIDE, CA – Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Phi Upsilon Chapter’s inaugural Golden Renaissance Scholarship Gala recognizes Black leaders whose contributions have shaped education, public service, and community empowerment in the Inland Empire. The Gala is Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 6:00 PM, in the Grand Parisian Ballroom at the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside, California.
This year’s gala celebrates a distinguished cohort of honorees. The 2026 Lifetime Achievement Awards will be presented to Dr. Judy White, Ed.D. (Retired Riverside County Superintendent of Schools), Emmett Terrell (Retired Deputy Superintendent, Pomona Unified School District), and Dr. Norman Towels (Retired Assistant Superintendent, Val Verde Unified School District). The keynote speaker is Antoine Hawkins, President of the California Association of African-American Superintendents and Administrators.
Additional honors include the Legacy of Impact Award, presented posthumously to Marion Black, Jr. and Reggie Webb; the Trailblazer of the Year Award, honoring Dr. Theresa Price and Dr. Eric Bishop, Ed.D.; the Public Servant of the Year Award, recognizing Vernon Jackson and Bishop Kelvin Simmons; and the Yellow Rose Award, presented to Charlotte Black.
“More than a celebration, the Golden Renaissance Scholarship Gala recognizes the past achievements of the Black trailblazers who advanced our success in the Inland Empire. In addition, the proceeds from the event are a strategic investment in the future, directly benefiting our nationally recognized Go-To-High-School, Go-To-College Program, established in 1922,” said Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Phi Upsilon Chapter President Terrance Williams.
“The Go-To-High-School, Go-To-College Program, expands scholarship opportunities and provides programmatic support for black male youth, helping them to gain access to colleges and universities and improve their persistence, graduation, and long-term success,” said Williams.
The theme of the Gala is the Harlem Renaissance, featuring Cotton Club Revue entertainment, live jazz performances, a visual art showcase, a three-course fine dining experience, the awards ceremony, a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle, and more.
Tickets for the Golden Renaissance Scholarship Gala are available at the PhiUpsilon.net website for $150 per person. A commemorative souvenir program will be included, highlighting honorees and featuring advertisements from businesses, organizations, and community supporters. Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets, tables, and advertisements by May 15, 2026.
The Golden Renaissance Scholarship Gala is sponsored by the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Phi Upsilon Chapter, the University of La Verne, the 10th House Education Foundation, the Alpha West Empowerment Foundation, the Black Chamber of Commerce Inland Empire, and other community stakeholders.
