CONGRESSMAN BISHOP ON THE RESIGNATION OF GA. SEN. POWELL SIMS
ALBANY, Ga. – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) issued the following statement in response to the news of Georgia State
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UNCF Columbus Mayor’s Masked Ball Honors Community Leaders, Raises Funds for HBCU Students
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UNCF Columbus hosted the 2026 UNCF Columbus Mayor’s Masked Ball on Saturday, March 21, at the Columbus Georgia Convention & Trade Center, bringing together business leaders, educators, elected officials and community supporters for an evening focused on advancing access to higher education.
Hosted by Mayor B.H. “Skip” Henderson and Mrs. Karon Henderson, the annual gala served as one of the city’s premier philanthropic and social events, raising critical scholarship funds to support students attending historically Black colleges and universities.
During the event, UNCF Columbus presented its highest honor, the M.A.S.K.E.D. Award, to Mrs. Emma Lois Bullock and the Rev. and Mrs. Eric and Nina Seldon for their leadership, service and commitment to education.
Pictured L-R: Justine Boyd UNCF Assistant VP, Mrs. Nina Seldon, Rev. Eric B. Seldon and Patricia Eldrige Campaign Coordinator Second Photo L-R: Patricia Eldrige Campaign Coordinator, Mrs. Emma Lois Bullock and Justine Boyd UNCF Assistant VP.
Bullock was recognized as a visionary educational leader and businesswoman whose work has expanded access to quality education for thousands of students. The Seldons were honored for their steadfast leadership and dedication to faith and community, which has had a lasting impact across the region.
Yvette Gregory was named UNCF Columbus Volunteer of the Year in recognition of her dedicated service and continued support of the organization’s mission.
Entertainment for the evening was provided by Larry Dodson, longtime lead singer of the legendary funk and soul band The Bar-Kays. Dodson, who led the group for 47 years, delivered a performance highlighting decades of R&B and soul music that has resonated with audiences worldwide.
The event aimed to raise $250,000 to fund scholarships and provide essential academic support for deserving students. Through scholarships, mentorship and other resources, UNCF continues to empower students to complete college and become future leaders.
Founded in 1944, UNCF has raised more than $6 billion to support higher education and remains one of the nation’s leading advocates for college access. Each year, the organization awards more than 11,000 scholarships totaling over $62 million to students attending more than 600 colleges and universities, including 37 UNCF-member HBCUs.