Breaking Cycles. Building Futures.

Celebrating 25 Years of BASICS International

For 25 years, BASICS International has worked to ensure that where a child is born does not determine how far they can go.

On Saturday, November 7, 2026, join us in Harlem, New York, for an extraordinary evening celebrating 25 years of impact, the power of women who lead, give, advocate and inspire — and the future we are building together.

An Evening Celebrating Impact & Women Who Make It Possible

SZA

Grammy Award-winning artist, philanthropist, and supporter of BASICS International

SZA's support has helped advance BASICS International's work in Chorkor, Ghana, including critical environmental and community initiatives improving sanitation and access to clean water.

Sheryl Lee Ralph

Emmy Award-winning actress, advocate, and longtime supporter of BASICS International

Sheryl Lee Ralph has supported the education of young people through BASICS and contributed to the development of the Sheryl Lee Ralph Theatre at Aklowah, our youth leadership and experiential learning site in Ghana.

Judy Smith

Renowned crisis management expert, author, and longtime BASICS advocate

Known globally as the real-life inspiration behind the hit television series Scandal, Judy Smith has been a longtime advocate for BASICS International and serves as a special advisor and friend of the organisation.

Honoring Founder Patricia Wilkins

Celebrating 25 years of visionary leadership, service, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every child.

These extraordinary women represent different worlds — music, entertainment, business, advocacy and community leadership — but share something powerful: a commitment to using their platforms and influence to create opportunity for others.

Music by DJ Lady Wells

Bringing the soundtrack to the celebration, DJ Lady Wells joins us for an evening filled with culture, connection, celebration and purpose.

25 Years. Thousands of Futures.

In 2001, BASICS International began working in the community of Chorkor, Ghana, with a simple belief:

Where a child is born should never determine how far they can go.

What began with educational sponsorships has grown into an integrated community development ecosystem connecting education, nutrition, technology, workforce development, entrepreneurship, youth leadership, health, wellness, and social inclusion.

Today, that journey includes more than 6,000 educational sponsorships, 2.5 million nutritious meals served, and nearly 1,000 digital certifications — each representing an opportunity created and a future transformed.

November 7, 2026 | Harlem, New York

Join us for an unforgettable evening featuring:

Cocktail reception and elegant dinner
Powerful stories spanning 25 years of BASICS
Honourees and distinguished guests
Live entertainment and music by DJ Lady Wells
A celebration of the people and partnerships behind the impact
A vision for BASICS International's next 25 years

Together, we have broken cycles.

Together, we have built futures.

Now, we invest in the next 25 years.

Tickets- BASICS@25 Anniversary Gala -

Breaking Cycles. Building Futures.