Roy Roberts Honored At DIA's Annual Bal Africain Gala
DETROIT (WWJ) - Maureen and Roy Roberts, for whom the DIA recently named a gallery, will be guests of honor at this year's Bal Africain Gala, presented by the Detroit Institute of Arts auxiliary Friends of African and African American Art.
"We are delighted to welcome Maureen and Roy Roberts as our special guests at this year's Bal Africain," Graham W. J. Beal, DIA director, said in a release. "We recently named a gallery of contemporary African American art in recognition of their very generous gift to the museum. Their support affirms the role art plays in enhancing the quality of life and the named gallery is a wonderful legacy for their family."
Roy and Maureen Roberts are well-known philanthropists in the areas of the arts, culture and education. Mr. Roberts, who achieved many firsts for African Americans in the automotive industry, retired from General Motors as a group vice president. For more than 20 years, Ms. Roberts' career focused on nursing and health care, and she served on the boards of St. Joseph Mercy Hospital and Visiting Nurses Association.
The theme for this year's gala is "Caribbean Splendor." Guests will feel as if they have walked into an island paradise, with tropical trees, plants and flowers. Ambassadors from Jamaica, Barbados and the Republics of Trinidad and Tobago will be among the distinguished guests.
The evening begins with a cocktail reception from 6 to 7 pm, followed by a strolling dinner featuring Caribbean cuisine. Guests will be treated to the sounds of a steel band and can dance to the sounds of Juan Portillo and DJ Sabor. Fox2's Huel Perkins will serve as master of ceremonies.
The gala will be held on July 16 from 6 to 11 pm at the DIA. Tickets are $200 and can be purchased at the door. For more information, call 313-833-4005 or visit www.dia.org/balafricain2011.
