The Black and Hispanic Caucus voted to honor a slate of community organizations and individuals at its 2025 gala and selected an all‑black “blackout” theme for the Oct. 30 event.

Madam Chair read a proposed list of honorees submitted by members; the suggested slate included the New Haven Police Athletic League, City Angels Baseball, the Hon. Clifton Graves, Black Wall Street, Kika Matos, Dr. Shaka Felder, and coaches Gary and Michelle Moore. A motion to honor all of the submitted names at the 2025 gala was made and seconded; the motion carried after a roll-call-style voice vote. Alder Morrison registered a “no” vote, citing concern that recognizing a large number of honorees in one year could “water down” the recognition, while other members said honoring the full slate would fill the room and increase positive community energy.

Madam Chair also presented four theme proposals submitted via email — “Harlem Nights,” “Black and White (Glamorous Life),” “Origins and Destinations,” and “Blackout.” After members indicated preferences by virtual hand-raise, the caucus adopted “Blackout” as the gala theme. The chair confirmed that the theme would be reflected in decorations and that promotional materials would note members could wear sneakers or comfortable shoes with formal attire, a suggestion several members supported as a way to increase attendance and comfort.

Members discussed ticket sales, ad sponsorships and raffles as revenue sources for the gala. The chair asked caucus members to solicit ads and raffle items from local businesses; several members volunteered to reach out to community groups and businesses, including Black Wall Street, to seek ad placements and sponsorships. The caucus also shared calendar announcements and fundraising events from affiliated organizations: the Q House advisory board annual fundraiser on Sept. 19, a Barracks 200 and church anniversary event on Sept. 7 at Woodwinds, the Perfect Blend banquet and scholarship event on Oct. 11 at Cascades, and an Aug. 30 Prince Hall Masons event at Woodwinds.

Walter Rodriguez, identified in the meeting as a caucus member, said he supported honoring all suggested names and anticipated the gala would “fill a room” and generate positive energy. The caucus agreed to circulate ticket, ad-sponsorship and raffle solicitation materials to members by email and to use members’ community contacts to boost attendance and donations.

No formal budget amendments or long-term sponsorship commitments were authorized at the meeting; the caucus instructed staff to send follow-up emails with gala materials and sponsorship forms.