Celebrating the Sistas is a gala dedicated to honoring the legacy of African American women in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Founded by Sharon Smith-Akinsaya, an African American leader and CEO of the Rae Mackenzie Group, this initiative recognizes, empowers, and inspires Black women during May, which is celebrated as Women’s Month. The event is designed to shine a spotlight on the remarkable contributions of Black women who are often the unsung heroes of their communities. By providing a platform for recognition, “Celebrating the Sistas” aims to foster a culture of respect and admiration for the achievements of African American women in all fields.

Each year, six outstanding African American women are selected based on their significant contributions to their community and impact in fields such as education, business, social justice, healthcare, and the arts. These honorees are celebrated with an evening filled with powerful storytelling, performances, and inspiring speeches. The event is strongly supported by influential community leaders and a diverse array of businesses, highlighting the collective commitment to uplift Black women and support their ongoing impact.

The event’s format includes a dynamic blend of presentations, multimedia storytelling, and live performances. This multi-sensory experience creates an atmosphere of celebration and reflection, allowing attendees to fully immerse themselves in the inspiring stories of each honoree. By sharing personal journeys of resilience, leadership, and innovation, the event aims to ignite a spark in future generations, encouraging young Black women to envision their own potential and embrace their roles as community leaders.

The Ripple Effect as a Visual Concept:

The project’s visual identity reflects its core values of energy, impact, sophistication, and cultural relevance while avoiding ethnic clichés. To achieve this, the design utilizes the metaphor of the “ripple effect,” symbolizing the far-reaching influence of Black women’s contributions to society. Just as a single drop can create waves, each honoree’s story resonates beyond the immediate circle, inspiring others to contribute to positive change. The ripple effect is a testament to how one person’s actions can inspire and transform entire communities.

Purple is a predominant color theme throughout the event, symbolizing justice, equality, and dignity. Since the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, purple has held profound significance within the African American community, representing a deep-seated resilience and the fight for equal rights—a sentiment that “Celebrating the Sistas” honors and seeks to perpetuate. In addition to purple, the event incorporates rich, textured patterns inspired by African textiles, which evoke a sense of cultural pride and sophistication. These design elements come together to create a visual landscape that is modern, elegant, and meaningful.

By avoiding stereotypical imagery, the gala’s design approach respects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of African American women, focusing instead on a contemporary and empowering aesthetic. This thoughtful visual framework reinforces the event’s mission to honor the depth and diversity of Black women’s experiences, inspiring a sense of unity and shared purpose among attendees.

Beyond the immediate impact of the event, “Celebrating the Sistas” aspires to create a lasting influence by establishing mentorship programs, scholarship opportunities, and ongoing partnerships with community organizations. Through these initiatives, the ripple effect of each honoree’s achievements extends far beyond the event itself, encouraging Black women and girls to pursue their passions and realize their potential as agents of change in their communities.

In essence, “Celebrating the Sistas” is not just a gala but a catalyst for community growth, empowerment, and inspiration. It stands as a testament to the enduring strength, beauty, and power of Black women and their vital role in shaping a more inclusive and equitable future for all.