Honorary Chair Melanie Gray and longtime supporters and this year’s Gala Chairs, Diana and Elijah White, will join more than 500 guests at the 29th annual UNCF “A Mind Is…” Gala in Houston on November 18th at the Hilton Americas Hotel. This year, UNCF will honor Texas Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee with its Excellence in Education Award for her longtime service to the community and inspiring change through education. Promising to be a fun-filled night with a purpose, this signature fundraising event will provide scholarships to the next generation of leaders. The Gala will include a reception generously hosted by H-E-B and a live performance by The ZAPP Band. Attending the event will be distinguished representatives from the corporate, civic and education sectors, including UNCF President and CEO Dr. Michael L. Lomax. Last year’s gala raised more than $500,000 for scholarships and operational support for UNCF-member institutions in Texas: Huston-Tillotson University, Jarvis Christian College, Texas College, and Wiley College.