The Figure Skating of Harlem’s (FSH) 2024 gala earlier this month was not only a celebration of talent and achievement – but rather a testament to the power of representation in all facets of art.
Hosted by CBS Mornings’ co-host Vladimir Duthiers, the April 17 gala brought together 400 guests to honor women who are advancing access, amplification, and advocacy around equity in figure skating, education, and leadership nationally.
Figure Skating in Harlem has long been a beacon of hope and empowerment within the Harlem and NYC community. For 27 years, this nonprofit organization has been serving girls and young women, offering programs that not only center around the sport of figure skating but also focus on academic and leadership development.
The impact of their work cannot be overstated, as evidenced by the nearly $1.3 million raised at this year’s Gala.
The evening was punctuated by moments of inspiration and celebration. Alicia Hall Moran, an award-winning vocalist and dedicated FSH volunteer, was honored for her contributions to the organization.
Daria Forde, an FSH alumna who now works at Warner Bros Discovery, was recognized for her achievements, presented by Florence “Flo” Ngala, a celebrated photographer who made history as Vogue’s first Black woman to photograph the Met Gala.
Cynthia Romano, a founding volunteer of FSH, was honored for her commitment to the organization’s mission. Tina Davis, a board member of FSH and the Head of Enterprise Marketing & Brand Engagement at Citi, was celebrated for her leadership and advocacy, presented by Bevy Smith, a Sirius Satellite host and celebrated author.
The Gala also featured special appearances by members of Team USA, which recently was awarded a gold medal for their 2022 performance after Russia’s disqualification for doping. Additionally, the founders of the country’s first Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU) figure skating team, FSH alumnae Cheyenne Walker and Ariel Clarke, graced the event with their presence.
Throughout the evening, guests were treated to remarkable live performances, including a captivating showcase from FSH alumna and Broadway star of “The Lion King,” Mariama Diop, as well as powerful spoken word performances by current FSH students.
Through their tireless efforts, FSH continues to uplift and empower young women, providing them with the tools they need to succeed both on and off the ice. For further information on how to contribute, go to figureskatinginharlem.org.
