The Spirit of Memphis Weekend: A Celebration with Purpose
The 2025 Spirit of Memphis Weekend was a powerful expression of unity, partnership, and progress bringing together leaders, organizations, and the broader community in a shared commitment to the future of Memphis.
At the heart of the weekend was the inaugural UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball, hosted in partnership this premier fundraising event supported educational opportunity for students in the Memphis area. LeMoyne-Owen College and Lane College were among the institutions directly benefiting from the evening’s success.
With more than 600 guests were in attendance, the evening was a remarkable display of elegance, purpose, and community pride. Co-hosts were Chris Winton and Terri Jackson. A Memphis Grizzlies legend, Jaren Jackson Jr., was featured honoring his mother Terri Jackson and he provided a special message on the importance of education, adding a meaningful personal touch to the evening. Another highlight of the night included a special tribute from Memphis artists to Al Green, honoring his enduring legacy and profound impact on the cultural fabric of Memphis.
The evening seamlessly transitioned into Unmasked: An Elegant Afterglow, presented by Forward 901, where guests gathered in a more relaxed yet equally refined atmosphere continuing the celebration with connection, joy, and shared purpose.
Together, the Spirit of Memphis Weekend reflected the very essence of our city: resilient, vibrant, and united in its commitment to lifting one another higher.
Unmasked: An Elegant Afterglow
In 2025, Forward 901, Inc. continued its tradition of bringing community and purpose together through Unmasked: An Elegant Afterglow, an evening defined by sophistication, connection, and meaningful impact.
Designed as more than a celebration, Unmasked invited guests to gather in a spirit of elegance and authenticity creating space to reflect, connect, and commit to the work of strengthening Memphis. The evening served as a reminder that behind every title, every role, and every responsibility, there is a shared humanity that binds us together.
With a refined atmosphere and a heart for service, the event brought together leaders, supporters, and community champions—all united by a common purpose: to uplift our city and invest in its future.
Unmasked was not simply an event it was an experience. One that celebrated both the beauty of connection and the power of collective impact in Memphis.
Elevate Memphis Leadership Summit
Memphis is a city of builders, dreamers, and doers—and Elevate Memphis brought them together under one roof to spark ideas, forge meaningful partnerships, and accelerate impact.
Throughout an inspiring day, attendees connected with more than 30 visionary leaders from business, the arts, civic life, and entrepreneurship. More than just hearing their stories, participants gained fresh perspectives, made valuable connections, and discovered new ways to write their own next chapter in Memphis.
Sip, Shop, Sparkle Event
In anticipation of the Spirit of Memphis Weekend, Forward 901, Inc. hosted Sip, Shop, Sparkle, an intimate and stylish prelude to the UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball. Held at MariStyles, the evening brought together guests in a spirit of excitement, elegance, and preparation for the weekend ahead.
Attendees enjoyed a curated shopping experience, selecting masks and accessories that reflected both personal style and the sophistication of the upcoming celebration. More than a shopping event, Sip, Shop, Sparkle created a moment of connection where anticipation met purpose, and community gathered in joyful expectation.
Thank you to our sponsors
