PROGRAMS & SERVICES

About the Black Excellence Annual Gala

The Black Excellence Annual Gala is more than an elegant evening of celebration—it is a movement dedicated to recognizing excellence, honoring trailblazers, and investing in the future of our community.

Founded by Akia Beckman and Kanadra Holmes, the gala was created to celebrate individuals whose leadership, service, and commitment have made a lasting impact. Through this annual event, we raise funds to provide scholarships for graduating seniors, support our Community Give Back initiative, and create opportunities that empower future generations.

We believe that when excellence is recognized, hope is restored, lives are inspired, and communities grow stronger. Every honoree, every scholarship recipient, every sponsor, and every guest becomes part of a legacy of service, leadership, and purpose.

Our Mission
To honor excellence, empower communities, inspire future leaders, and create lasting opportunities through education, service, and collaboration.

Our Vision
To build a legacy where every generation is encouraged to dream bigger, achieve greater, and give back—creating a stronger, more united community for years to come.

United by Purpose. Driven by Impact. Building a Legacy of Excellence.

Community Give Back

The Community Give Back was founded by Akia Beckman and Kanadra Holmes with one purpose in mind—to love, serve, and invest in our community by meeting real needs and creating lasting opportunities.

What began as a passion to provide backpacks and school supplies has grown into an annual event that brings together businesses, churches, volunteers, and community partners to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families.

Each year, we provide free backpacks and school supplies, haircuts, braids, educational resources, health services, meals, and family support—ensuring students begin the school year equipped, confident, and ready to succeed.

We believe every child deserves to feel seen, supported, and valued. By working together, we can remove barriers, inspire hope, and empower the next generation to dream bigger and achieve more.

The Community Give Back is more than an event—it’s a commitment to strengthening families, building partnerships, and creating a legacy of service that will impact generations to come.

Our Mission To unite our community through compassion, service, and collaboration by providing resources, encouragement, and opportunities that empower children and families to thrive. Our Vision To build stronger communities where every child has the support, confidence, and resources needed to reach their full potential, and where giving back becomes a way of life. Together We Rise. Together We Impact. Empowering Minds. Building Futures. Changing Lives.

Excellence Scholarship

The Excellence Scholarship was established to invest in the next generation of leaders, innovators, and difference-makers by providing financial assistance to students pursuing higher education, vocational training, trade school, or career certification programs.

At the Johnnie Ball Legacy Impact, we believe that excellence is not defined solely by perfect grades—it is demonstrated through determination, perseverance, character, and the commitment to becoming the very best version of yourself. Our scholarship program recognizes students who have worked hard, overcome challenges, and are dedicated to building a brighter future.

Each year, scholarships are awarded to deserving students who exemplify leadership, integrity, community involvement, and a passion for achieving their goals. By investing in education, we are investing in stronger families, stronger communities, and a stronger future.

We believe every dream deserves an opportunity, and every student deserves someone who believes in them.

Our Mission To empower students by providing scholarship opportunities that encourage educational success, personal growth, and lifelong leadership. Our Vision To remove financial barriers, inspire academic and personal excellence, and create a legacy where every student has the opportunity to pursue their dreams with confidence and purpose. Education Opens Doors. Excellence Creates Opportunities. Together, We Build the Future.

Seen & Supported

Seen & Supported is a compassionate initiative of the Johnnie Ball Legacy Impact, created to encourage, educate, and empower families raising children with special needs.

We understand that the journey of caring for a child with special needs is filled with unique joys, challenges, victories, and sacrifices. No family should have to walk that journey alone. Our mission is to provide a safe and welcoming space where families feel seen, heard, valued, and supported.

Through conferences, workshops, educational resources, guest speakers, support groups, and community partnerships, we strive to equip families with practical tools, meaningful connections, and renewed hope. We believe that when families are strengthened, children thrive and communities become stronger.

At Seen & Supported, we celebrate every milestone, encourage every caregiver, and remind every family that they are not defined by their challenges but by their strength, resilience, and unconditional love.

Our Mission To provide encouragement, education, resources, and meaningful support that empower families of children with special needs to thrive with confidence, hope, and community. Our Vision To create a community where every family raising a child with special needs feels accepted, equipped, connected, and supported—knowing they never have to face their journey alone. You Are Not Alone. You Are Seen. You Are Supported. Together, We Build Stronger Families and Brighter Futures.

Women Walking in Purpose

Founded by Akia Beckman

Women Walking in Purpose was founded by Akia Beckman with a passion to encourage women to discover who God created them to be and to walk boldly in their purpose.

This movement was created to remind women that their past does not define their future. Every woman has been uniquely gifted, called, and equipped to make an impact in her family, her community, and the world. Through faith, encouragement, mentorship, and meaningful connections, Women Walking in Purpose inspires women to embrace their God-given identity and live with confidence, courage, and intention.

Each year, women gather to experience powerful speakers, authentic conversations, worship, personal development, and life-changing moments that strengthen their faith and equip them to become the leaders, mothers, wives, entrepreneurs, and changemakers they were created to be.

Women Walking in Purpose is more than an annual event—it’s a movement dedicated to building a community of women who encourage one another, rise together, and leave a legacy for future generations.

Our Mission

To inspire, empower, and equip women to discover their God-given purpose, walk confidently in their calling, and positively impact their families, communities, and future generations.

Our Vision

To cultivate a worldwide sisterhood of women who lead with faith, serve with compassion, and live boldly in purpose—creating lasting change wherever they go.

Empowered. Equipped. Unstoppable.

When women walk in purpose, families are strengthened, communities are transformed, and generations are forever changed.