Building Legacy, Creating Opportunity: Steel City Gala Awards $40K+ to Future Leaders
Alabama's first Met Gala-inspired celebration honored more than 70 community changemakers while investing over $40,000 in scholarships and small business grants—proving that real influence is measured by the lives you impact, not just the spotlight.
COMMUNITY EVENTGALAENTREPRENEURS
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (July 21, 2026) — Birmingham's brightest changemakers took center stage Saturday evening as the Steel City Legacy Gala made history with Alabama's first-ever Met Gala-inspired experience, transforming the iconic WorkPlay Theater into an evening of fashion, philanthropy, culture, and community excellence.
The sold-out gala welcomed civic leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, artists, elected officials, philanthropists, and community advocates for an unforgettable celebration honoring individuals whose commitment and service have shaped Birmingham and surrounding communities for years. Throughout the evening, the Steel City Legacy Gala awarded more than $40,000 in academic scholarships and small business grants, reinforcing its mission of creating meaningful opportunities for students, entrepreneurs, and future leaders.
Founded by entrepreneur and philanthropist Kyla Carr, the Steel City Legacy Gala has quickly become one of Alabama's most anticipated annual celebrations—recognizing hometown heroes while investing in the next generation of changemakers throughout the Magic City.
"Tonight was about honoring people who have poured into Birmingham for years without expecting recognition," said Carr. "Legacy isn't measured by titles—it's measured by lives changed. We wanted to give our community's heroes their flowers while they're here to receive them."
Inspired by the glamour and creativity of the internationally renowned Met Gala, guests arrived in couture fashions, avant-garde designs, and elegant formalwear that transformed the evening into one of Birmingham's most stylish and meaningful celebrations. Beyond the fashion, the gala served as a powerful reminder that true legacy is built through service, leadership, mentorship, and community impact.
More than 70 outstanding individuals were recognized across multiple award categories celebrating excellence in leadership, entrepreneurship, fashion, media, public service, business, advocacy, and community engagement.
Legacy Award Honorees
The Legacy Award recognized visionary leaders whose influence and dedication continue to strengthen Birmingham and surrounding communities.
Shakeitha Tatum
Pastor Mike McClure Sr.
Matt Roth
Jannie Ashley
Kevin Key
Lynneice O. Washington
Dr. Kris E. Eskine
Brenda Paige Ward
Judge Ruby D. Clark
Gilberto Herrera
The Goodwins
Tewanna Gulley
Mayor James Stewart Jr.
Glenda S. Thomas
Nicole Sade Daniel
Ronda Robinson
Jacquese Gary
Bettie Johnson Hunter
DJ CJ Tha Sticman
Path Maker Award Honorees
The Path Maker Award celebrated individuals creating new opportunities while inspiring others through leadership, innovation, and service.
Dee Reed
Dorothea Crosby
Tiffany Samuels
Daroneshia Duncan Boyd
Dana Woodruff
Angelica Melendez
First Lady K
Ferlando Parker
Mrs. Vee
Nalia Jackson
Chef Mark
Kevin Myers
Bradius "Brad" Hall
Ezekiel Morgan
Adrian
Brian Jones
Martell Red
Monae Chanel
Fashion Forward Award Honorees
Recognizing creatives and tastemakers whose influence continues to elevate style, fashion, beauty, and culture.
Ryan Christopher
Kenya Buchanan
Derricius Breon
Brian Pride
DeAngela Pippen
Sonya Faye Gardner
Tony Minifield
Daniel Grier
Jay Beats
Nicole Stallworth
Michael Nabors
Influencer Impact Award Honorees
Honoring digital creators and influential voices using their platforms to educate, inspire, entertain, and uplift communities.
Blynn
Corey Pritchett Jr.
Floss The Mack
Leora Byrd
Brittany Monique
China Davis
Kenya Carson
Dreka Ray
Akila Face
DJ Pakk
Joy Hendrix
Matt Hogue
Lifetime Achievement Award Honorees
One of the evening's most memorable moments celebrated an extraordinary class of Lifetime Achievement Award recipients, honoring decades of leadership, excellence, and transformational impact across business, entertainment, entrepreneurship, education, and community service.
Erica Adeyemi
Mario Addison
Candace Holyfield Parker
Larry Allen
Urban Mystic
Casey Diggs
Cedric Washington
Dr. Cheyenne Bryant
Marcus "Him500" Barney
Mary Holmes
Michelle Aesthetics
Throughout the evening, guests experienced inspiring tributes, moving award presentations, dynamic entertainment, and memorable moments celebrating the remarkable individuals whose leadership continues to shape Birmingham's future.
As one of Alabama's newest signature events, the Steel City Legacy Gala has already established itself as a premier platform for recognizing excellence while creating tangible pathways toward educational advancement, entrepreneurship, economic empowerment, and community development.
Plans are already underway for the 2027 Steel City Legacy Gala, where organizers intend to expand scholarship opportunities, increase small business investments, and continue honoring the extraordinary people who make Birmingham stronger every day.
For sponsorship opportunities, partnership inquiries, media requests, or information about next year's event, visit www.steelcitylegacygala.com.
VIEW FULL PHOTO GALLERY: [CLICK HERE]
@steel_citylegacygala, @youngentrepioneers & @dustinfocus
About the Steel City Legacy Gala
The Steel City Legacy Gala is an annual celebration dedicated to honoring individuals who have made significant contributions throughout Birmingham and surrounding communities through leadership, entrepreneurship, public service, education, business, philanthropy, arts, fashion, and advocacy. The organization exists to celebrate local impact while investing in future generations through scholarships, small business grants, mentorship, and community empowerment initiatives.
About Kyla Carr
Kyla Carr is a multi-business entrepreneur, financial educator, philanthropist, and community leader committed to creating generational impact through economic empowerment, financial literacy, and mentorship. She is the founder of Faith & Integrity Financial and Family Tax Services, Hair Maniacs, and The Revenue Maven, where she equips entrepreneurs with strategies to identify hidden revenue opportunities, build sustainable businesses, and create lasting wealth. Through her philanthropic initiatives, Carr continues to invest in scholarships, financial education, mentorship programs, and community initiatives that strengthen families, support small businesses, and empower future leaders.
Subscribe to our newsletter
