Darren Walker, the soon-to-be former Ford Foundation president, was honored with the Arthur Mitchell Vision Award at the Dance Theatre of Harlem’s 2025 Vision Gala, celebrating artistic excellence and legacy.
The Dance Theatre of Harlem’s annual Vision Gala is always a highlight in New York City’s cultural calendar. This year’s event, held on April 11 at the Ziegfeld Ballroom, was no exception.
Established in 1969, the Dance Theatre of Harlem is a renowned African-American dance company.
Founded by Arthur Mitchell and Pearl Lang, it has been a leading institution for classical ballet and modern dance.
The company's mission is to preserve and promote African-American cultural heritage through dance.
With a rich history, Dance Theatre of Harlem has performed globally, including at the 'Metropolitan Opera House in New York City'.
The company has also trained numerous dancers who have gone on to successful careers.
The evening’s honoree, Darren Walker, the soon-to-be former Ford Foundation president, was presented with the Arthur Mitchell Vision Award by filmmaker Ava DuVernay. The tribute delivered by ‘DuVernay brought the room to a hush, as she spoke of Walker’s ability to see beauty in bold and daring works.’
Darren Walker is an American nonprofit executive and philanthropist.
He has been the president of the Ford Foundation since 2013.
Prior to this role, he served as the vice president for foundation initiatives at the Rockefeller Foundation.
Walker has also worked in various capacities with organizations such as the Abyssinian Development Corporation and Harlem's Studio Museum.
He is a graduate of Harvard University and Yale Law School.
The gala also featured a stirring performance by the Dance Theatre of Harlem company, anchored by a galvanizing oration from Janai Nelson, president and director-counsel of the Legal Defense Fund. The night ended with more dance, not just for show but in celebration, accompanied by music provided by DJ D-Nice and Kenny Burns.
The event was a testament to the power of arts institutions like the Dance Theatre of Harlem, which has always been about reimagining the ballet world rather than fitting into it. With a roster of honorary chairs that read like a syllabus in cultural history, including Ben Vereen, Sunny Hostin, Isolde Brielmaier, Bianca Lawson, Mickalene Thomas, and Thelma Golden, among others, this crowd knew why they were there: to support an organization that has made a lasting impact on the world of dance.
For decades, the Dance Theatre of Harlem has been at the forefront of promoting diversity and inclusion in the arts. The event’s success is a testament to the tireless efforts of its leadership, including Anna Glass, who revealed that the gala had surpassed its fundraising goal by $132,000.
The evening was also marked by the presence of cultural heavyweights, including prima ballerina Misty Copeland, model and activist Bethann Hardison, and artist Mickalene Thomas. The event was a celebration not just of Walker’s legacy but also of the enduring power of arts to bring people together and inspire change.
As the night drew to a close, it was clear that this year’s Vision Gala would be remembered for years to come. With its blend of elegance, tribute, and celebration, it was a fitting conclusion to an evening that had brought together some of New York City’s most influential cultural figures.
