On the Eve of the Met Gala, Brooklynites Show Off Their Boldest Styles and mCelebrate Brooklyn Heroes in Honor of 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop
Click Here for Photos (Image Credit: Gregg Richards)
BROOKLYN, NY — Last night, hundreds of New Yorkers gathered at Brooklyn Public Library’s (BPL) iconic Central Library to celebrate the third edition of The People’s Ball, a fashion-forward ode to inclusivity that invites New Yorkers of all stripes to express their individuality and flaunt their unique style as they walk the runway and dance the night away. Hosted on the eve of the Met Gala, The People’s Ball boldly declares that fashion is not found in exclusivity, but in the everyday New Yorker.
The People’s Ball is a free and open-to-all event, providing a platform for fashion innovators to take center stage and celebrating individual expression and creative freedom. BPL’s Central Library was outfitted with a catwalk, giving attendees the opportunity to show off their most creative, boldest ensembles while DJs kept the crowds dancing. The festivities were hosted by actress Delissa Reynolds (WU-TANG: An American Saga) and cultural advocate Rob Fields. The event also featured stunning performances by singer Cunio and DJ sets by Rimarkable.
“We are thrilled to once again welcome people from all walks of life to the iconic Central Library to celebrate creative freedom and provide every New Yorker with the opportunity to have the gala experience,” said László Jakab Orsós, Vice President of Arts and Culture at Brooklyn Public Library. “Each year, The People’s Ball is a reminder that BPL is much more than just books- it’s a center for culture, ideas, exploration, individual expression and, most importantly, joy.”
This year, celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, The People’s Ball enlisted fashion curator Souleo and visual artist Mickalene Thomas to honor Five People’s Heroes whose work has changed the culture.
The People’s Heroes included Dapper Dan, Harlem couturier and pioneer of high-end streetwear; April Walker, fashion icon and first woman with an urban fashion brand, Walker Wear; Cindy Campbell, the First Lady of Hip Hop and first Hip Hop promoter; Aura Mejia, Tenant Organizing and Advocacy Manager, Neighbors Helping Neighbors, and Asmeret Berhe-Lumax, founder, One Love Community Fridge.
The People’s Ball extends BPL’s mission to provide access to educational, economic, and cultural enrichment opportunities of the highest quality to people from every corner of Brooklyn and beyond.
About Brooklyn Public Library
Brooklyn Public Library is one of the nation’s largest library systems and among New York City’s most democratic institutions. As a leader in developing modern 21st century libraries, we provide resources to support personal advancement, foster civic literacy, and strengthen the fabric of community among the more than 2.6 million individuals who call Brooklyn home. We provide nearly 65,000 free programs a year with writers, thinkers, artists, and educators—from around the corner and around the world. And we give patrons millions of opportunities to enjoy one of life’s greatest satisfactions: the joy of a good book.