5th Annual Foundation For Letters Gala Honored Trailblazing Young Authors & Women Of Color

On Wednesday, October 19th, The Foundation For Letters held its 5th Annual Fall Benefit Gala in Manhattan. On the evening of the last presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, young artists of color affirmed that their voices are vital in this heated political season.

This year's event was dedicated to young voices and trailblazers forging paths for women of color in literature and media. From portraying the first black female president, to inspiring writing, reporting and advocacy, to redefining traditional roles in a series featuring Latina characters, these five women exemplify how literature and media are vehicles for impactful change.

Actress and star of "Empire," Vivica A. Fox was a recipient of the 2016 "Distinguished Service Award." She is currently filming the sci-fi action film, "Creed," making history as the first black actress to play the president in a live-action feature film. She also announced that she would author a memoir on her life and career journey.

As she stood before the next generation of leaders, students from the Foundation of Letters, she testified, "The only way that success will come to you is if you knock on that door, and you kick it wide open."

Charged with emotion, Fox shared, "It's a wonderful time to be a woman, we have more opportunities than what we have ever had, we strive for equal pay and opportunity because it's our time, there is no room to apologize, love, honor, celebrate one another. I believe, if you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything."

On Instagram, renowned Brooklyn, NY principal and viral Humans of New York star Dr. Nadia Lopez grounded the audience as she shared why she missed the pre-award reception and barely made it to accept her honor.

"This is how I ended my night," she wrote, "accepting the Foundation for Letters Service Award with Justice, one of my graduates, by my side. I almost didn't make it to the event and I had no idea that Justice was going be there. Earlier this afternoon, gunshots rang out a few blocks away from @motthallbridges during dismissal, triggering all neighboring schools to activate safety protocols to protect our staff and scholars for more than a 1/2 hour. Unfortunately, for many who reside in Brownsville gun violence is a part of their lives and our schools are safe havens for the children we serve. So the last thing on my mind was heading to the gala, but I made it and it was well worth it. When Justice was in middle school, he was a work in progress. One afternoon he sat in my office and asked me, "Ms. Lopez, why haven't you given up on me?" My response, "Because I love you and you are not perfect, but I created a school for you not to end up in prison. I want you to know that you are valuable and needed in this world." This is my purpose; I have been chosen to open a school to lead on behalf of children. Thank you Foundation for Letters for this beautiful evening and for offering my scholar the access he needs to thrive."

Dr. Lopez's debut book, "Bridge to Brilliance," chronicles her inspirational story of raising millions of dollars for New York City schools.

Carmen Rita Wong, CEO of Malecon Industries, television personality and the author of the popular novel, "Never Too Real," which is being actively considered for television series with a major network, gave a message of perseverance and spoke directly to the young authors in room. "I was told that I could not write by my bosses at major publications, and "no" so many times, that I wrote my own book to prove it to myself."

Marley DiasTween Social Activist Marley Dias, founder of the international movement, #1000BlackGirlBooks, who just interviewed Hillary Clinton as the editor-in-chief of her own namesake publication under ELLE.com, encouraged students to seek out community and realize that the mission to seek out inclusion is bigger than self.

Health writer and reporter Catherine Saint Louis, who has written several groundbreaking stories disrupting misconceptions on the link between the Zika virus and long-time risks for children for the New York Times, shared a touching message about the importance of sisterhood and self-confidence.

NYC based financier and Foundation for Letters, founder, Mike Jackson said of the evening, "New York City is the literary capital of the world, and the Foundation for Letters is nourishing the minds of urban scholars by exposing them to innovative writing programs and learning opportunities supported by the City's financial and literary community. What we've accomplished at our 5th annual Benefit Gala and over the past several years, we hope to bring to other cities and ultimately nationwide."

The ceremony was hosted by lifestyle TV producer, community leader, and activist Rebecca Gitana Torres (www.LifestyleRemix.com). The event concluded with a presidential debate viewing, kicked off by The Daily Beast editor-in-chief and CNN correspondent, John Avlon.

Lagunitas Brewing Company, Western Grace, and Reservoir Bar provided complimentary beverages. Guests, donning hues of fall, noshed on gourmet New York City food truck dishes from sponsors Neapolitan Express, El Olomega Salvadoran pupusas, with desserts by Baked by Melissa and Treats Truck. Additional supporters included Leota, Supernova Companies, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Payette Financial Services, Guernica Magazine and The Daily Beast.