Jabali Academy’s 3rd Annual Empowering Minds Gala Celebrates the Changemakers Transforming Education and Community

The black carpet at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, welcomed an inspiring gathering of leaders from entertainment, sports, education, and philanthropy for Jabali Academy’s 3rd Annual Empowering Minds Gala. While the evening celebrated remarkable achievements, its true purpose extended far beyond awards. The gala served as a powerful investment in the future, raising support for an institution dedicated to empowering the next generation through education.

Guests arrived eager to champion a cause rooted in opportunity, equity, and academic excellence while honoring individuals whose influence has transformed communities across the country.

L-R: Charles Malik Whitfield & Rosie Whitfield 

Among those making their way down the black carpet were Beauty in Black standout Charles Malik Whitfield and his beautiful wife. The couple shared that education remains one of the greatest priorities in their family as they navigate parenting children through today’s higher education landscape. They expressed their admiration for Jabali Academy’s vision and noted how meaningful it was to witness an institution committed to preparing future leaders.  

L-R: Aonika Laurent and Sean Patrick Thomas

Co-host for the evening Sean Patrick Thomas & Aonika Laurent Thomas

Comedian and actor Anthony Anderson, honored with the Jackie Robinson Community Trailblazer Award, reflected on the responsibility that comes with having a platform. Anderson spoke about supporting numerous charitable organizations while highlighting his own foundation’s efforts to provide scholarships for students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). His message underscored the importance of creating access and ensuring students have the resources to pursue their dreams.

Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete accepted the Marian Wright Edelman Advocacy & Inclusion Award, sharing the deeply personal experiences that inspired their humanitarian work. Robinson Peete spoke about her father’s Parkinson’s diagnosis and their son RJ’s autism journey, explaining how those experiences became the foundation for their advocacy through the HollyRod Foundation, which continues to provide support and awareness for families affected by Parkinson’s disease and autism.

Receiving the Carter G. Woodson Cultural Legacy Award, two-time NBA Champion Norm Nixon and Tony Award-winning trailblazer Debbie Allen reflected on the impact of the Debbie Allen Dance Academy. Together, they emphasized how arts education creates confidence, discipline, and opportunity for young people while preserving culture through artistic expression.

Acclaimed filmmaker Gina Prince-Bythewood was presented with the James Baldwin Cultural Visionary Award, recognizing her groundbreaking contributions to film and storytelling. Through projects that center authentic voices and culturally rich narratives, Prince-Bythewood continues to redefine what inclusive storytelling looks like in Hollywood.

L-R: O. Carroll & Dr. Jon Carroll –  Co founders of The Jabali Academy 

At the heart of the evening were Jabali Academy founders Dr. Jon Carroll and Nkechi Okoro Carroll, whose shared vision has grown into an educational institution committed to serving youth in the heart of Inglewood. Addressing the audience, the founders reflected on the conversation that inspired Jabali Academy’s creation and the importance of investing in children long before they enter the workforce. In one of the evening’s most heartfelt moments, Dr. Jon Carroll proudly recalled a conversation with his wife years ago when she declared that she wanted to have three hit television series on the air simultaneously. Smiling, he looked towards the audience and said, “She did that too.” The room erupted in applause, celebrating not only Nkechi Okoro Carroll’s remarkable career but also the couple’s unwavering belief that faith, vision, and action can turn aspirations into reality.

Throughout the evening, stirring musical performances echoed throughout the Intuit Dome as supporters generously contributed to Jabali Academy’s mission, via silent auction & private investments.  Every standing ovation, heartfelt speech, and donation reinforced a shared belief that meaningful change begins when communities come together with purpose.

Check out the event recap on Instagram