Brooklyn Public Library

04/21/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/21/2022 15:23

Brooklyn Public Library Presents “The People’s Ball,” a Celebration of Style, Individuality and Creativity

Event to Feature a Public Runway Show, Multicultural Performances and Surprise Guests

The People's Ball takes place 7pm, Sunday, May 1st at BPL's Central Library at Grand Army Plaza

BROOKLYN, NY (April 21, 2022)-On May 1, Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) will celebrate The People's Ball, a free event that invites New Yorkers of all stripes to express their individuality and flaunt their unique style as they walk the runway and dance the night away in a safe, inclusive space.

On the night before the Met Gala, hundreds of New Yorkers will gather in the grand lobby of BPL's Central Library at Grand Army Plaza to celebrate true beauty and authentic self-expression. In the name of democratized fashion, people of all backgrounds will come together to share in the festivities and showcase the colors, textures, and styles that make up the city's urban runway.

Honoring 125 years of BPL, this free celebration will be hosted by authors Isaac Fitzgerald and Scaachi Koul. There will be performances throughout the night by Rimarkable, Inyang Bassey, Opera Gaga, and Paris the Hip-Hop Juggler.

Special guests include fashion curator Souleo; Grandassa models from the historic African American fashion show, "Naturally '62;" Lenape Center co-founder, Joe Baker; models from the legendary Harlem Institute of Fashion's HARLEM WEEK runway shows; and multi-disciplinary artist and fashion designer, Damian Jöel. Jöel is a distinguished alumnus of the BPL's BKLYN Fashion Academy, a competitive program for aspiring designers based at the Library, the only program of its kind in the nation.

"Open and welcoming to all, the People's Ball is a chance to showcase Brooklynites in all of our creative, idiosyncratic, resilient glory. We are thrilled to welcome people from across the borough to celebrate one another in one of the most democratic and creative spaces in the borough," said Linda E. Johnson, President and CEO of Brooklyn Public Library.

"Brooklyn is home to some of the most diverse communities on the planet. The People's Ball is a celebration of free expression and creativity; we ask our guests to show up simply as they are," said László Jakab Orsós, Vice President of Arts and Culture at Brooklyn Public Library. "Over the past 125 years, Brooklyn Public Library has always been committed to embracing our incredible Brooklyn community. This event is a celebration of the best that Brooklyn has to offer."

The People's Ball is one of many initiatives led by BPL to foster inclusion and celebrate the rich diversity of Brooklynites. Brooklyn Public Library continues to broaden the traditional role of a public library and offers groundbreaking free programming unheard of at other library systems across the world.

Masks are strongly encouraged. The event is free, but RSVPs are also encouraged. Follow @bplpresents for updates about special guest hosts, DJs, and food and drink specials, and join the conversation and share photos by tagging #BPLPeoplesBall and #BPLPresents.

You can learn more about fashion programs at the Library, including our sewing machine loan program and upcoming BKLYN Fashion Academy runway show at our website.

About Brooklyn Public Library
Brooklyn Public Library is one of the nation's largest library systems and among New York City's most democratic institutions. As a leader in developing modern 21st century libraries, we provide resources to support personal advancement, foster civic literacy, and strengthen the fabric of community among the more than 2.7 million individuals who call Brooklyn home. We provide nearly 60,000 free programs a year with writers, thinkers, artists, and educators-from around the corner and around the world. And we give patrons millions of opportunities to enjoy one of life's greatest satisfactions: the joy of a good book.

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