Tickets are now available for the Michigan Black Summit Gala, to be held in Benton Harbor on February 8.
Neighbors Organizing Against Racism Director Trenton Bowens tells us the gala will be held on the second night of the 2025 Michigan Black Summit, not only to celebrate the spirit of the summit itself, but also to raise money for the Berrien County Bail Fund. The fund was started last year to pay the bail for inmates stuck in the Berrien County Jail on minor charges.
Bowens says the fund has helped more than 30 people get out of jail so far. It’s also helped 15 families pay tether fees.
“We had an individual that we bailed out that could not afford deodorant and two pot pies and his bill was $300,” Bowens said. “We were able to assist him in getting out of jail. We then went to the store and made sure he got the necessities that he needed.”
Bowens says the Berrien County Bail Fund is growing, and one goal is to open an office for it. Proceeds from the gala will help.
The gala will feature live music from Midnight Star, an eclectic group that had a string of hits in the 1980s. There will also be a silent auction and hors d’oeuvres.
“Last year we had over 600 people there, so we’re expecting a sellout. There will be no tickets sold at the door, and if anybody wants their ticket, we’re encouraging them to go to our Facebook page, Neighbors Organizing Against Racism.”
This year’s gala will be held on February 8 at the Mendel Center at Lake Michigan College. You can get tickets for $60 online.
Bowens says the 2025 Michigan Black Summit, set for February 7 and 8, will include Black leaders from all over Michigan. There will be two keynote speakers. One is Quentin Messner of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, while the other can’t yet be announced. However, Bowens says it’s a big name.
