An Evening to Experience

Join United Way of Forsyth County’s African American Leadership Society (AALS) for an evening at Delta Arts Center featuring art, music, food, wine and connection.

Experience Straw Into Gold: A Photographic Journey, enjoy music inspired by artists connected to the exhibit, and spend time with AALS members and friends. Whether you’ve been part of AALS for years or are joining us for the first time, we hope you’ll be there.

Inside Straw Into Gold

Known as the “Queen Mother of Braids,” Rosa “Malikia” Johnson transformed hair into intricate works of art through African ancestral hair sculpture, braiding and beadwork.

Straw Into Gold features more than 100 photographs, objects and artifacts spanning the 1970s through the early 2000s. Johnson’s work has been worn by icons including Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone and Cicely Tyson, capturing artistry and styles recognized across generations.

The experience continues with Maestro Keith Byrd, bringing the sounds of Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind & Fire, Nina Simone, Valerie Simpson and more.

Enjoy food from NOLA Catering, wine and sweet treats throughout the evening.

Get to Know AALS

The African American Leadership Society brings people together to positively impact people of color through philanthropy, advocacy and empowered leadership.

This evening is an opportunity to reconnect with AALS, welcome new faces and learn more about getting involved.

United Way + Delta Arts Center

United Way of Forsyth County brings the community and its resources together to solve problems that no one organization can address alone, working to create greater stability, opportunity and economic mobility for individuals and families.

Delta Arts Center increases awareness of African American contributions to the arts and humanities through exhibitions, programs and experiences that celebrate African American art, history and creative expression.

Preferred dress attire is business casual.

An Evening at Delta with AALS

Featuring the Straw Into Gold Exhibit + Music by Maestro Keith Byrd