Grammy Award-winning artist and Houston’s own Megan Thee Stallion is once again using her platform to spotlight trailblazing changemakers. Her nonprofit, the Pete & Thomas Foundation, is gearing up to host its inaugural black-tie gala on July 16, 2025, at the iconic Gotham Hall in New York City. The star-studded affair, hosted by actress Taraji P. Henson, will feature performances by Muni Long and DJ sets by DJ D-Nice, benefiting transformative initiatives in education, housing, and health and wellness for underserved communities.

At the heart of the celebration is a powerful narrative of intergenerational impact and Black excellence. The Foundation will honor LaTosha Brown, founder of the Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium, alongside 13-year-old mental health advocate Mila Henry, founder of MH Boxes. Their stories exemplify the Foundation’s mission to uplift and invest in Black girls and women, from grassroots beginnings to global influence.

 

 

LaTosha Brown: Architect of Empowerment and Radical Possibility

A nationally recognized thought leader, social justice strategist, and cultural activist, LaTosha Brown is no stranger to shaping systems and shifting narratives. As the visionary behind the Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium (SBGWC) and co-founder of Black Voters Matter, Brown has made it her life’s work to uplift the South’s most marginalized voices—especially Black girls.

Founded in 2017, the Consortium has channeled more than $10.2 million to over 220 Black women-led organizations, impacting communities across 13 Southern states, including Texas. Her leadership and innovation have gained international acclaim, with appearances in over 30 countries, and recognition from institutions like Harvard University, where she co-designed a leadership program to strengthen Southern women’s civic power.

“LaTosha embodies the spirit of radical possibility that the Pete & Thomas Foundation celebrates,” said Chanceé Lundy, Executive Director of SBGWC. “Her unwavering belief that ‘if you change the life of a Black girl, you change the world’ is a mission we proudly share.”

  

 

 

Mila Henry: The Next Generation of Healing and Leadership

At just 13 years old, Mila Henry is already leaving a legacy. In early 2024, the then-12-year-old was awarded a grant through the #BlackGirlJoyChallenge—a collaboration between the Pete & Thomas Foundation and Southern Black Girls—and used the opportunity to create MH Boxes, a nonprofit dedicated to Black girls’ mental health.

MH Boxes delivers personalized wellness kits filled with journals, affirmation cards, self-care items, and mental health resources. Inspired by her own journey navigating the mental health landscape as a biracial Black girl, Mila’s initiative fills a critical gap in culturally relevant, youth-led mental health advocacy.

“Mila exemplifies why we invest in Black girls' dreams,” said Brown. “She turned her vision into a healing movement, meeting the needs of her peers with compassion and creativity.”

Her work reflects the transformative power of early investment, and how giving Black girls a platform today paves the way for a more equitable and empowered tomorrow.

A Gala with Purpose: Investing in Futures, Celebrating Legacies

This gala is more than a glamorous evening—it’s a celebration of what’s possible when Black girls are funded, believed in, and supported at every stage of their leadership journey.

Founded in 2022 in honor of Megan Thee Stallion’s late parents, Holly Thomas and Joseph Pete Jr., the Pete & Thomas Foundation has quickly become a vital force in philanthropic circles. Through initiatives like the #BlackGirlJoyChallenge, the foundation has already supported 100 Black girls across the South, helping them launch entrepreneurial, creative, and community-centered projects.

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

About the Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium

The Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium is a trailblazing philanthropic organization focused on centering and funding Black girls and women in the South. Anchored by powerhouse leaders Felecia Lucky, Alice Jenkins, and Margo Miller, the consortium supports projects across Alabama, Texas, Georgia, Florida, and 10 other states. Through participatory grantmaking and community-driven leadership, the organization advances racial equity, education, mental wellness, and economic opportunity.

🔗 Learn more: www.southernblackgirls.org | Follow @SouthernBlackGirls

About the Pete & Thomas Foundation

Founded by Megan Thee Stallion, the Pete & Thomas Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting underserved communities through strategic investment in education, housing, and health. Inspired by her parents’ legacy of love, resilience, and advocacy, Megan launched the foundation to help others thrive through purpose-driven giving and partnership.

🔗 Learn more: www.peteandthomasfoundation.org

About MH Boxes

MH Boxes is a nonprofit mental health initiative founded by Mila Henry, offering curated self-care packages and resources to support Black girls' mental health journeys. With every journal, affirmation, and act of empathy, Mila is redefining what leadership looks like—one box at a time.

🔗 Learn more: www.mhboxes.org

🖤 From grassroots brilliance to global change, this gala marks a new era of investing in the power, voice, and vision of Black girls everywhere—and Houston Style Magazine is here to celebrate it.