Harlem Renaissance

The gala took place at the museum and centered on the exhibit "Powerful: African Americans in Energy." The exhibit explores different energy sources with an interactive, mini golf-like setup that lets guests putt through landscapes representing wind, solar hydropower, and more.

The event raises funds for the Black Creativity program at the museum, which highlights African-American culture, heritage, and scientific achievements. Inspired by a significant period in black history, this year's event took on a Harlem Renaissance theme. Props included an Apollo theater sign.

Feather boas were draped over the backs of chairs. Tables were dressed up with floating candles and black and red linens, and guests dined in various parts of the museum.

Kehoe Designs provided floral accents for the staggered buffet tables.

A station called "Oysters and Pearls" held jumbo prawns with spicy cocktail sauce, snow crab claws with lime aioli, baked clams Casino, and fried oysters served on the half shell with creole mustard aioli, shaved fennel slaw, and tabasco pearls.

Other offerings included smoked salmon martinis with whipped-dill cream cheese, caper pearls, sniped chives, and bagel chips.

A clam-shaped ice sculpture crowned the seafood buffet.

At the "High Society" station, chefs carved peppercorn-crusted Chateaubriand steak with taragon-bernaise and barolo wine sauce.

At a station called the "Bamboo Inn," offerings included sesame noodle salad with shelled edamame, bok choy, red pepper, snow peas, daikon radish, and mandarin oranges.

The headline entertainer was Freddie Jackson, whose hits include "You Are my Lady" and "Rock me Tonight."