LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Grammy-nominated artist Janelle Monae will headline the Louisville Urban League’s (LUL) Derby Gala, set for Wednesday, April 30 at Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center
The annual “party with a purpose” is LUL’s signature fundraising event in support of its mission to advance economic empowerment in underserved communities.
“For one night, LUL will create an evening of joy and wonder,” LUL said in a release. “In moments of conflict, joy is more than a feeling — it’s an act of resistance. It’s a way to reclaim our strength and build a brighter future. The Louisville Urban League believes in the power of joy, and we invite you to join our revolution at the 2025 Derby Gala!”
Monae is known for her high-energy shows, with her musical style combining R&B, funk, soul, pop and Afrofuturism. She is also an Emmy Award-winning actress known for her roles in “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery,” “Hidden Figures” and “Moonlight.”
Visit trellis.org/25derbygala for tickets.
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Connor Smith - Digital Producer
Connor Smith is a digital producer for Spectrum News 1 in Louisville, Kentucky. He joined the team in November 2023 and hails from the Chicago area. In summer 2023, he received his Master of Science in Journalism from Northwestern's Medill School in Chicago, where he covered Super Bowl LVII, the Chicago Marathon and other stories around the city.
