HABJ’s Sneaker Ball Gala Returns for 2025, Celebrating Students and Storytelling

The Houston Association of Black Journalists is gearing up for its 2025 Sneaker Ball Gala, set for Saturday, October 25.

The annual event, known for blending formal attire with sneakers, celebrates students pursuing journalism and communications careers while bringing together media professionals, community leaders, and mentors for a night of networking, recognition, and fun.

The gala is one of the organization’s largest fundraisers, with proceeds supporting scholarships for local college students. These scholarships provide young people with the resources and opportunities they need to pursue careers in journalism, communications, and related fields, helping them develop the skills necessary to tell meaningful stories.

In recent years, the gala has awarded scholarships to students at Houston-area colleges, including Texas Southern University, giving them a foundation to grow in media careers. The financial support allows students to focus on their education, gain professional experience, and prepare for the competitive world of journalism, ensuring Houston’s media landscape continues to benefit from diverse, talented voices.

The Sneaker Ball is about more than scholarships. Past events have honored standout journalists and civic leaders, giving attendees the chance to learn from professionals who have already made a meaningful impact in the field.

The gala also showcases attendees’ creativity and personality. Pairing sneakers with formal attire has become the event’s signature style, reflecting both fun and individuality while maintaining the elegance of a traditional fundraiser.

Many guests use the opportunity to showcase unique styles and statement sneakers, creating a lively, festive atmosphere that distinguishes the Sneaker Ball from other formal events.

Beyond the gala, the Houston Association of Black Journalists offers programs year-round, including professional development workshops, training sessions, and community engagement initiatives. These efforts strengthen Houston’s media landscape by preparing diverse voices to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard, ensuring the city’s news coverage reflects a wide range of experiences and perspectives.

Organizers said the sold-out status demonstrates the community’s investment in students and Houston’s media professionals.

“This event isn’t just about the party,” one organizer said. “We look forward to celebrating with our scholarship recipients and honorees and recognizing the outstanding work they are doing. It’s a night to honor achievements and inspire the next generation of journalists.”

With the 2025 gala just weeks away, attendees can expect an evening full of energy, inspiration, and celebration. The Sneaker Ball combines elegance with creativity, professional recognition with mentorship opportunities, and fundraising with a strong sense of community. It serves as a reminder that supporting students and Houston’s media community can be both meaningful and enjoyable, creating a lasting impact for years to come.

As Houston looks forward to October 25, the Sneaker Ball highlights the importance of investing in young journalists, fostering diverse voices, and celebrating both the art and craft of storytelling, ensuring the city’s media continues to thrive.