Megan Thee Stallion Launches First Gala Honoring Black Community Trailblazers

Grammy-winning rapper Megan Thee Stallion is set to bring both star power and a spirit of philanthropy to Gotham Hall in New York City on July 16, as her Pete & Thomas Foundation hosts its first black-tie gala.

The event promises a star-studded guest list, with actress Taraji P. Henson serving as host and performances by singer Muni Long and DJ D-Nice. The gala aims to raise funds for initiatives in education, housing, and health and wellness benefiting underserved communities.

Founded in 2022 in honor of her late parents, Holly Thomas and Joseph Pete, Megan’s foundation has rapidly gained recognition for its work uplifting Black girls and women. The foundation’s programs provide support for entrepreneurial and creative endeavors, as well as community-centered projects.

According to the foundation’s website, its mission is to “effect meaningful and positive change in the lives of women and children, senior citizens, and underserved communities in Houston, TX and across the globe.” Programs focus on education, housing, health and wellness, and community goodwill.

At the gala, the foundation will recognize two outstanding changemakers: LaTosha Brown, founder of the Southern Black Girls & Women’s Consortium (SBGWC), and 13-year-old Mila Henry, founder of MH Boxes. This nonprofit supports the mental health of Black girls through self-care toolkits and resources.

Henry’s organization was launched in January 2024, after she received a microgrant from the Pete & Thomas Foundation and SBGWC. MH Boxes provides care packages with journals, affirmations, and self-care items to empower young Black girls in their mental health journeys.

SBGWC, which focuses on empowering Black women and girls in the southern United States through philanthropy and activism, has awarded more than $10 million to over 220 projects across 13 states. Executive director Chanceé Lundy described honoree LaTosha Brown as embodying the “spirit of radical possibility” and highlighted the shared commitment to uplifting Black girls and women.

“LaTosha and Mila represent two generations of visionary Black leadership. Their bond proves that when we invest in Black girls—whether 13 or 53—we cultivate changemakers who are capable of rewriting the future,” Lundy said.

Brown, also co-founder of Black Voters Matter, praised Mila Henry’s work, saying, “Mila exemplifies why we invest in Black girls’ dreams. She turned her vision into a healing movement, meeting the needs of her peers with compassion and creativity.”