2019 Ebony Tie Affair

REGISTER AT EBONYTIEAFFAIR.COM/TICKETS

In the mid-1990s, prominent businessmen across a wide array of sectors in Delaware founded the Ebony Tie Affair (ETA), which has become the signature event celebrating the contributions of African-American men throughout the Delaware Valley. James H. Gilliam, Jr., one of the leading black entrepreneurs and philanthropists in the United States, articulated the original vision for the event: a night of fellowship the Monday before every Thanksgiving that would remind each of us, “we are not alone — nor are we disappearing islands — in fact, we are prospering in even greater numbers.”

Today, in its 23rd year, the Ebony Tie Affair is not only singular in importance and prominence for every influential African- American male in the region, it is also the only event of its kind in the nation. Significant guests from across America make it a point to attend. Sponsored only by its participants, the night is filled with good food, great fellowship, the rededication to their commitment to excellence and service as the price of the blessings they have all received, and the shared responsibility of representative leadership for African-Americans throughout the Diaspora.

In that vein, the Saturday before each year’s event, Delaware State University and the men of the ETA host a yearly workshop for promising young African-Americans in our region. The highlight of that series is usually when ETA men walk their younger colleagues through their own personal journey. You can watch the connections happen as the participants find themselves in those stories and are strengthened in their resolve to be better — great in fact — and to serve others. Throughout ETA’s history, hundreds of these young men have participated in these forums, many of whom have become ETA men themselves.

In corporate circles, many would see ETA as a premier “influencer” event, a place where opinion shapers (bankers, lawyers, judges, academics, educational leaders, politicos, media elites, et. al.) come together informally and can be galvanized around a single set of issues. Yet ETA is different as its only interest is to edify and support one another without any external agenda.

Delaware State University needs to be there on November 25. Register as soon as you are able at ebonytieaffair.com/tickets.

I hope to see as many of you there as possible.