U.S. Dream Academy marks 25th gala with Regina Belle and honors leaders

The U.S. Dream Academy held its 25th Annual Power of a Dream Gala in Washington, D.C., celebrating its mission to support children affected by incarceration and underserved communities. The event featured Regina Belle, student performances and honors for leaders in corrections, business and mentoring.

Why it matters: - The gala spotlighted the U.S. Dream Academy’s long-running work with children of incarcerated parents and other young people facing barriers. - The event also tied the organization’s mission to America’s 250th anniversary theme, framing youth investment as part of the country’s future. - Supporters, students and honorees gathered around a message of mentorship, education and opportunity.

What happened: - The U.S. Dream Academy celebrated its 25th Annual Power of a Dream Gala at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, D.C. - NBC4 journalist Shawn Yancy hosted the event. - Grammy Award-winning singer Regina Belle performed during the gala. - The gala carried the theme “Dreams Evolve: Transforming Lives Together for America 250.” - The event celebrated the nation’s 250th anniversary while highlighting investment in children of incarcerated parents and young people in underserved communities. - Regina Belle and local artist Duawne Starling performed “A Whole New World” and received a standing ovation. - Belle also performed with the Takoma Academy Camerata Choir and students from Baltimore’s U.S. Dream Academy. - The Duke Ellington School of the Arts Jazz Band welcomed guests at the sponsor reception.

The details: - C. Diane Wallace Booker, CEO of the U.S. Dream Academy, said the gala has spent 25 years celebrating what is possible when people invest in young people. - Booker said the organization is recommitting to ensuring every child has the opportunity, support and encouragement to dream bigger and build a brighter future. - Margita Thompson, chief corporate affairs officer of Aventiv Technologies, received the President’s Award. - Thompson was recognized for leadership and commitment to positive impact across government, media and corporate roles. - Commissioner Randall A. Liberty of the Maine Department of Corrections received the Martin Luther King Jr. Service Award. - Liberty was recognized for prison reform leadership and efforts to restore dignity to incarcerated people. - Liberty visited his incarcerated father at Maine State Prison as a child and later returned as the prison’s warden before becoming commissioner. - Liberty designed the Maine Model of corrections. - Under Liberty’s leadership, incarcerated residents secured remote jobs, earned wages and supported their families while preparing for reintegration. - Jafaru Levere received the Mentor of the Year Award. - The award recognized the role mentors play in helping young people envision and achieve a successful future. - Gala sponsors included Giant, Aventiv Technologies, MarkerMan, AdventHealth, and Mo and Richard Anderson. - The U.S. Dream Academy was founded in 1998 by Wintley Phipps. - The organization provides mentorship, academic support and character development to children impacted by parental incarceration and other challenges. - The organization says it has helped thousands of young people recognize their potential and pursue purposeful futures. - Wintley Phipps delivered remarks and sang “Amazing Grace.”

Between the lines: - The honorees reflected the organization’s emphasis on leadership, rehabilitation and mentorship rather than only fundraising. - The inclusion of student performers reinforced the gala’s core message that young people are not just beneficiaries but part of the celebration. - Liberty’s recognition pointed to a broader argument that corrections systems can support rehabilitation and family stability. - The America 250 theme positioned the gala as both a milestone celebration and a call to invest in the next generation. - More information is available from the U.S. Dream Academy.

What's next: - The U.S. Dream Academy will continue its mentoring, academic support and character development programs nationwide. - The organization is likely to keep using the Power of a Dream Gala to elevate its mission, recognize partners and raise support. - The America 250 framing suggests future programming may continue linking youth opportunity with civic celebration. - Additional video from NBC4 is available here.