Oh, What a Night! RARE’s 5th Anniversary Celebration

Supporters filled the Northwest African American Museum to capacity for RARE’s 5th Anniversary Celebration, gathering in a beautifully curated space to honor five years of impact and community.

The evening brought together past and current board and committee members, students, educators, alumni, and community partners whose leadership and creativity have shaped RARE’s mission.

Long-awaited in-person reunions set the tone for a festive night featuring NAAM exhibit tours, dinner, bingo with prizes, music by a smooth DJ, and a short program emceed by Board member Jessamyn Reichmann and Film Outreach Coordinator Cece Chan.

A highlight of the evening was the strong focus on youth, with recipients of RARE’s annual James A. Davis Jr. Scholarship well represented. Keynote speaker Leah Scott, a 2021 Roosevelt graduate and RARE’s inaugural scholarship recipient, shared her journey of resilience, growth, and community, underscoring the importance of mentorship and continued work toward educational equity and belonging.

Guests—including several who traveled from out of state—celebrated RARE’s accomplishments over its first five years, including the JAD Scholarship, Connections, documentary projects, open discussions, advocacy, and community collaborations.

As RARE looks ahead to the next chapter of its work, we extend heartfelt thanks to the 5th Anniversary Planning Committee for bringing this celebration to life: Steve Fisher, Dr. Bea Butler, Allynn Ruth, Michelle Fields, Cece Chan, Jessamyn Reichmann, Pris Kloess, Joe Hunter Jr., and Alex Wheeler (not pictured).

Here’s to the next five years of impact and possibility!