10th Annual DC Black Pride Unity Ball
Schedule
Thu, 21 May, 2026 at 09:00 pm
UTC-04:00Location
The Westin DC Downtown | Washington, DC
Thursday, May 21, 2026Westin DC Downtown
999 9th Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
DOORS OPEN: 9:00 PM LSS: 9:45 PM Sharp
ADMISSION: FREE all night
MC: Jack Mizrahi Gorgeous Gucci
MUSIC BY: Legendary VJtheDJ Prodigy
FILMED BY: Ballroom Throwbacks
Seating is first-come, first-served!
For productions, please email [email protected] labeled with your name and category no later than May 15, 2026.
---------------------------- Categories ------------------------------
𝗙𝗔𝗖𝗘
OTA Face - $1,000 (7 trophies)
“Immortalized: A Living Masterpiece”
Art evolves, but beauty is eternal. Tonight, your face is the canvas of the New Black Renaissance. Skin like polished obsidian, cheekbones carved by ancestry, eyes that hold centuries of story. Whether soft and regal or sharp and editorial, serve a face worthy of being immortalized in both museum halls and holographic archives by revealing your face from a picture frame. The look is on you, but you must stop and pose confidently with your frame, showing every angle. Any face of art can stand alone without relying on motion or garb.
(BQ vs Transman vs Women’s vs FQ vs Drags vs GNC vs Legends/Icon)
New Face - $100 (1 trophy)
“The Next Canvas”
A rising canvas. Show us the future of Renaissance beauty. Wearing all black, bring a picture of a Ballroom Face walker that inspired you.
𝗙𝗔𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗢𝗡
Best Dressed - $500 (3 trophies)
“Threads of Time: Couture Through the Ages”
Black Renaissance is where tradition meets innovation. Come in a look that merges historical influence with futuristic imagination. Think regal fabrics, metallic embellishments, sculptural silhouettes, fashion that looks like it belongs in both 1930 and 2930. Think “Harlem Nights” entering the “Matrix”.
(MF vs FF vs GNC)
Sneaker vs Sneaker - $500 (1 trophy)
“Sole Survivors: Evolution of the Step”
Old school meets new world. Whether retro classics or futuristic design, bring a sneaker that represents the evolution of Black style culture.
Streetwear - $500 (1 trophy)
“Urban Renaissance: The People’s Uniform”
Streetwear has always been the modern Renaissance uniform. Remix urban culture with artistic futurism. Whether luxury techwear or elevated vintage, make it revolutionary.
Best Dressed Spectator - $100 (1 trophy)
“Gallery Guest Chic”
Even from the sidelines, art is everywhere. In the look you wore to attend the ball, prove why you are the best dressed in the room.
𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘
Female Figure Performance - $500 (3 trophies)
“Rebirth in Motion: Cowboy Carter”
The Black Renaissance encompasses both the historic Harlem movement of the 1920s and contemporary celebrations of Black art, culture, and excellence through music, dance, and theater. Tonight, you will be in attendance at the Beyoncé Black Renaissance Concert Tour. Typically celebrated on Juneteenth (June 19th), this event will feature exclusively custom attire designed by Black designers. As one of Beyoncé’s most ardent fans, your presence is highly anticipated. Now Ladies, while your attire is entirely your choice, feathers and sequins are a must. Be sure to look your best and your performance, undeniably on point. Because this will undoubtedly be an unforgettable evening.
(Drags vs Women’s vs FQ)
Realness with a Twist - $500 (1 trophy)
“Parallel Lives: Reality Reimagined”
Bring us everyday realness from a Renaissance future. Maybe you’re a time-traveling professor, an AI fashion historian, or a luxury botanist. Real… but with imagination.
Vogue Fem - $500 (1 trophy)
“Fluid Renaissance: The Rebirth”
Beyoncé’s Renaissance (Act I), released on July 29, 2022, is a seventh studio album that has garnered critical acclaim and evokes a sense of musical rejuvenation. The album features a dance-heavy, house-inspired aesthetic that celebrates Black queer culture and the pioneers of disco. It offers a joyful, post-pandemic escape that pays homage to musical history. Tonight, you have secured your place on the dancers’ list for Beyoncé Rebirth Act I tour! Therefore, prepare to dazzle in a shimmering ensemble dripped in diamonds and silver sequence, ready to infuse joy, escapism, and a judgment-free, secure environment. As you sway to the rhythms of Revolution and connect with the millions of individuals who support you, let your attire captivate hearts and your performance resonate profoundly.
Hand Performance - $250 (1 Trophy)
“Brushstrokes in Motion”
Hands once used to paint, sculpt, and create. Tonight they move through air like brushstrokes across history. Give storytelling through fingertips with a prop of your art medium of choice.
Virgin Vogue - $100 (1 trophy)
“Genesis: Movement Begins”
BRING IT ON! The Black Renaissance and HBCU cheerleaders are coming together in a fantastic, lively, and celebrated revival of Black culture, talent, and art on college campuses and in national competitions. This cultural wave shines a spotlight on the special, high energy style of HBCU cheer often featuring soul-swinging, rhythmic moves, and dance that’s becoming more and more known on a national level. Tonight, we’d love for you to bring your A-game, just like one of your favorite HBCU cheerleading squads. So BRING IT ON & whip out the competition. Have a blast tonight, but remember your look and performance must be polished. The judges will be watching with a keen eye.
𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗟𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦
Male Figure Realness - $1,000
“Black Excellence: The Modern Mogul”
From the trailblazers of the Harlem Renaissance to today’s modern moguls, Black masculinity has always evolved. Tonight, we celebrate The New Black Renaissance: where refined power, resilience, and presence take center stage. Hit the Floor as the embodiment of success and growth. Whether you represent:
• A school boy turned Wall Street visionary
• A Pretty high-fashion creative director
• A legendary/icon next-generation tech innovator
• Executive presence with polished confidence
• Everyday realness that fights the law
• A reformed THUG turned leader
• A powerful TRANS business owner redefining the narrative
Come dressed as generational wealth or as someone who started from the mud and built their empire. Welcome to The New Black Renaissance.
Female Figure Realness - $1,000 (3 trophies)
“Black Girl Magic”
The New Black Renaissance is a contemporary and thriving era of Black culture. Black women are the most rapidly expanding demographic of entrepreneurs in the United States. Motivated by aspirations for financial autonomy and flexibility, these businesses, often in service industries, generate over $98 billion in revenue, despite encountering substantial funding challenges.
Tonight, you have resolved to defy all odds and establish your OWN BUSINESS. Whether it be a stylist to celebrities, owner and a guru of luxurious lace wig Inc., or a five-star aesthetician business owner on the rise, tonight the panel invites you to present your innovative business concept to compete for a $10,000 prize to support the growth of your entrepreneurial endeavors. Please remember that authenticity is paramount. Therefore, ladies, you are deserving of leadership and the opportunity to take the leap. Demonstrate the true essence of Black entrepreneurship. Oh, and don’t forget, you must be REAL!
Sincerely,
Tyra Banks
(Drags vs FQ vs Legends/Icon)
New Realness - $100 (2 trophies)
“Movement: Back-to-Africa"
The Pan-African flag, also known as the Black Liberation Flag or Marcus Garvey flag, serves as the primary emblem of Black revolution, liberation, and unity. It features horizontal stripes of red, black, and green. Conceived in 1920 by the United Nations Association for the Advancement of Colored People (UNIA) to represent individuals of African descent, the flag symbolizes blood (red), the people (black), and Africa’s natural wealth (green). Tonight, we invite you to embody the spirit of black liberation by confidently strutting down the runway, adorned with the colors of the Pan-African flag. Please ensure that you carry your Pan-African flag with pride.
(MF vs FF)
𝗥𝗨𝗡𝗪𝗔𝗬
OTA Runway - $1600
“The Black Legacy of Boom”
Remember the Double Legend Boom Boom Balenciaga. One of Legendary Boom Boom Balenciaga’s favorite and most memorable moments was walking The House of Icon 20th Anniversary Ball in NYC 2020. The category said to
bring it in blue jeans and a white t-shirt with your favorite FF runway diva, in which, he chose Jonovia Lanvin. Tonight, we want you to bring it the same way. Except this time, in memory of the double legend, bring it in a t-shirt that has Boom Boom Balenciaga on the front and back with a pair of shades. Boom was also famous for carrying a creative purse/bag everywhere he went. So don’t forget your bag Big or small in any color.
New Runway - $100
GNC Runway - $300
FF Runway - $300
All American Runway - $300
European Runway - $300
Big Boys Runway - $300+
Note: Cash carried over from incorrectly answered questions will be added to the Big Boys Runway pot.
𝗦𝗘𝗫 𝗦𝗜𝗥𝗘𝗡 & 𝗕𝗢𝗗𝗬
OTA Sex Siren - $1,000 (7 trophies)
The Erotic Reawakening
The Renaissance has always celebrated the Strength and Power of the fight that was endured by our Ancestors before us. In every form, we have seen some of the most sexy yet strongest warriors be created. From sculptures, to books, and even movies. Tonight, you are that Sexy Warrior. Give us sensuality that feels both Powerful and Seductive. Whether it’s Nubian royalty or cybernetic deity, bring erotic elegance that honors the beauty of a Warrior.
FF bring it as Tomb Raider
MF bring it as Blade
(Catboy vs BQ Jr vs BQ Sr vs Transman vs Women’s vs FQ vs Legends/Icon)
OTA Body - $500
“Living Marble: Built For This!”
The “New Black Renaissance” in bodybuilding signifies the resurgence and expanding influence of Black athletes, culture, and aesthetics within the contemporary fitness and physique industry. This movement harmonizes classical bodybuilding principles with contemporary artistic expression, frequently emphasizing the convergence of physical prowess and cultural identity. Tonight, we invite you to demonstrate your artistic abilities. However, this evening, you shall assume the role of the canvas. Employing one, two, or all three colors, convey a narrative. Blood (red), the people (black), and Africa’s natural wealth (green) serve as your color palette. Therefore, proceed to the floor and present “your body” of artwork to the panel.
(MF Models vs MF Muscular vs FF Luscious vs FF Models)
𝗔𝗗𝗗𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟
Commentator vs Commentator - $250
“Orators of the New Era”
The storytellers of the culture. Step into the mic and narrate the Renaissance with wit, rhythm, and authority. You MUST incorporate the word BOOM. Who can paint the clearest picture with words?
Where is it happening?
The Westin DC Downtown, 999 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001-4427, United States
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
