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    A Candle in the Dark Gala 2026

    The 鈥淎 Candle in the Dark鈥 Gala is an exceptional evening of elegance and achievement celebrated annually in February during the College鈥檚 Founder鈥檚 Week observance.

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    Our Master of Ceremonies

    Charles M. Whitfield_headshot

    We look forward to reconnecting with the 麻花视频 philanthropic community for this exciting event on Saturday, February. 14, 2026, when 麻花视频 adds six outstanding recipients to an influential and iconic list of Bennie and Candle honorees! 

    This year鈥檚 gala will be led by Charles Malik Whitfield, an accomplished actor, producer, and director whose distinguished career spans film, television, and theater. Widely recognized for his portrayal of Otis Williams in the acclaimed, Emmy-winning miniseries The Temptations, Whitfield has also delivered memorable performances in films such as Behind Enemy Lines and Notorious. His extensive television work includes series regular roles on If Loving You Is WrongThe Guardian, and Last Call, as well as recurring appearances on SupernaturalChicago MedEmpire, and American Horror Story. He currently stars as Jules in Netflix鈥檚 number-one worldwide series Beauty In Black, bringing both artistic excellence and dynamic presence to this year鈥檚 celebration.

    For pre purchased ticket holders only, you can make your check-in process smoother
    by avoiding lines and check-in in early. See the following schedule for details.

    IMG_9013Meet and Connect with the 2026 Bennie & Candle Award Honorees!

    February 14, 2026, at 11 a.m. in Bank of America Auditorium.

    2026 Bennie Awards Honorees

    The Benjamin Elijah Mays 鈥淏ennie鈥 Award, one of the highest honors that 麻花视频 bestows on its alumni, is named for one of the College鈥檚 most revered Presidents, Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays, who served from 1940 to 1967. His legacy lives on in the College鈥檚 international stature and in the success of its alumni.

    James Hudson
    James L. Hudson '61

    Attorney, academic lecturer, and venture capitalist; former U.S. Director of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and former chair of the 麻花视频 Board of Trustees.

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    Willie Woods 鈥85

    President & CEO of ICV Partners; retiring chair of the 麻花视频 Board of Trustees. 

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    Dr. Willie Underwood III 鈥88

    Urological surgeon and president-elect of the American Medical Association. 

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    2026 Candle Awards Honorees

    For 155 years, 麻花视频 has been a beacon of light and a source of knowledge to the global community. The Candle Award recognizes outstanding non-alumni who are exemplary in their professions and are committed to excellence, community service, and leadership, which are the values taught at 麻花视频.

    FW2026_Eric_G_Johnson-1
    Eric G. Johnson

    Entrepreneur, philanthropist, and financial & economic inclusion advocate. 

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    Dr. Robert L. Satcher

    Orthopedic surgeon, chemical engineer, medical & space pioneer, and first cancer doctor and first orthopedic surgeon in space.

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    FW2026_malcolm_D_Lee
    Malcolm D. Lee

    Acclaimed filmmaker, writer, and producer.

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