RSVP
presented by adidas
CELEBRATING AN EVENING OF EXCELLENCE
BENEFITING THE GAP SCHOLARSHIP FUND
AT GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY
11.24.23
HILTON NEW ORLEANS RIVERSIDE
TWO POYDRAS STREET
HILTON NEW ORLEANS RIVERSIDE | TWO POYDRAS STREET
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.
Heading title
Sub-heading title
RSVP
HILTON NEW ORLEANS RIVERSIDE
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2025
presented by adidas
Buy Tickets
11.24.23
RSVP
Investing in Our Future
BENEFITING THE GAP SCHOLARSHIP FUND
AT GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY
SAVE THE DATE
HILTON NEW ORLEANS RIVERSIDE
TWO POYDRAS STREET
HILTON NEW ORLEANS RIVERSIDE | TWO POYDRAS STREET
View Sponsorship Opportunities
11.24.23 | HILTON NEW ORLEANS RIVERSIDE
RSVP
presented by adidas
CELEBRATING AN EVENING OF EXCELLENCE
BENEFITING THE GAP SCHOLARSHIP FUND
AT GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY
SAVE THE DATE
HILTON NEW ORLEANS RIVERSIDE
TWO POYDRAS STREET
HILTON NEW ORLEANS RIVERSIDE
HILTON NEW ORLEANS RIVERSIDE | TWO POYDRAS STREET
RSVP
Buy Tickets
11.24.23
RSVP
Investing in Our Future
BENEFITING THE GAP SCHOLARSHIP FUND
AT GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY
SAVE THE DATE
HILTON NEW ORLEANS RIVERSIDE
TWO POYDRAS STREET
HILTON NEW ORLEANS RIVERSIDE | TWO POYDRAS STREET
View Sponsorship OpportunitiesCELEBRATING AN EVENING OF EXCELLENCE
BENEFITING THE GAP SCHOLARSHIP FUND
AT GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.
Heading title
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.
Buy Tickets
CELEBRATING AN EVENING OF EXCELLENCE
BENEFITING THE GAP SCHOLARSHIP FUND AT GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY
Heading title
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.
Buy Tickets
FEATURING
Buy Tickets
ANTHONY HAMILTON
GUEST OF HONOR
Magic Johnson
NBA LEDGEND & PHILANTHROPIST
ENTERTAINMENT
ANTHONY HAMILTON
R&B GRAMMY AWARD WINNER
HOST
WILD WAYNE
CO-HOST
ROB KAZI
MC
DJ JUBILEE
HOST
WILD WAYNE
NEW ORLEANS RADIO LEGEND
EMCEE
Kelsey Davis
NEW ORLEANS ENTERTAINMENT LEGEND
DJ
DJ JUBILEE
NEW ORLEANS ENTERTAINMENT LEGEND
EMCEE
DJ JUBILEE
NOLA LEGEND
CO-HOST
ROB KAZI
COMEDIAN & ENTERTAINER
GUEST OF HONOR
Magic Johnson
NBA LEDGEND & PHILANTHROPIST
GUEST OF HONOR
MAGIC JOHNSON
NBA LEGEND & PHILANTHROPIST
GUEST OF HONOR
Magic Johnson
NBA LEDGEND & PHILANTHROPIST
SPECIAL GUEST
BILL BELLAMY
DEF JAM COMEDIAN & ACTOR
DINNER ENTERTAINMENT
ASHANTI FLOYD
6x GRAMMY NOMINATED VIOLINIST
TICKETS
TICKETS
THE VIP EXPERIENCE
PRESENTED BY
Begins at 6:30 pm.
At the Kicks Ball VIP reception, you will take part in an unparalleled experience designed to elevate your evening from the ordinary to the extraordinary.
Join us for this exclusive experience, where you are not just a guest; you are the guest of honor, and your satisfaction is our foremost priority.
- Early access to the Silent Auction
- Exclusive Entrance to VIP Area
- Reserved seating near stage
- Light bites and bar access
Individual Tickets
- General Seating
Individual VIP TIckets
- Early access to the Silent Auction
- Exclusive Entrance to VIP Area
- Reserved seating near stage
- Light bites and bar access
AUCTION ITEMS
AUCTION ITEMS
General Admission
Doors open at 7:30 pm | Begins at 8:00 pm
The Kicks Ball general admission ticket grants you access to an unforgettable evening filled with memorable moments and is your key to an enchanting night of philanthropy, connection, and support. As you enter our beautifully decorated venue, you'll be immersed in an atmosphere of sophistication and glamour, setting the stage for an extraordinary experience.
Our general admission ticket We look forward to sharing this special evening with you, and we thank you for being a part of our mission to create positive change.
Doors open at 8:00 pm. See you at the gala!
MIDNIGHT
AFTER PARTY
MIDNIGHT AFTER PARTY
$30 TICKETS
Can't attend the Gala? Celebrate at midnight with DJ Jubilee till the night ends!
SPONSORS
Grand Benefactor
Grand Benefactor
Key Benefactor
Benefactor
Corporate Sponsor
Supporting Sponsor
Key Benefactor
2025 GSU KICKS BALL
The Kicks Ball at Grambling State University is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year. A night where culture, fashion, and GSU pride take place! Every year, students, alumni, and supporters come together to celebrate excellence, community, and creativity like only Grambling State can. With a vibe that sets the standard across HBCUs, this is the event you don’t want to miss.
Join us on an unforgettable night and purchase your tickets today!
FEATURED GUESTS
YA'LISHA GATEWOOD
OFFICIAL HOST
Ya’Lisha Gatewood is a seasoned journalist with 7 years of experience in the broadcast news industry—rising through the ranks from reporter to producer to now serving as a weekday anchor for KTAL NBC 6 News.A Shreveport native, Ya’Lisha joined the KTAL news team in June 2018 shortly after earning her Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Broadcasting from Grambling State University. While at GSU, she proudly marched in the *World-Famed Tiger Marching Band*.Ya’Lisha is passionate about telling impactful stories and keeping the ArkLaTex informed and engaged. Whether she’s behind the desk or out in the field, she brings energy, accuracy, and heart to every story.
DJ ARIE SPINS
OFFICIAL AFTER PARTY DJ
New Orleans native DJ Arie Spins is an all-around music enthusiast bringing energy and creativity to events across the South. With roots in the city’s rich music culture, she began as a vocalist and pianist before earning her degree from the University of New Orleans and teaching music to high school students. Now a powerhouse entertainer, host, and curator, DJ Arie has shared stages with Ed Sheeran, Ludacris, Jazmine Sullivan, Keyshia Cole, SWV, and opened for PJ Morton on his world tour. A standout in sports entertainment, she’s a go-to DJ and MC for the NFL, curating pregame concerts for the New Orleans Saints and serving as the main stage DJ and host for Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans.
ASHANTI FLOYD
ENTERTAINMENT
Ashanti Floyd, known as The Mad Violinist, is a six-time Grammy-nominated producer, violinist, string arranger, and multi-instrumentalist who has mastered over 30 instruments. Beginning his journey at just three years old, he has since contributed to platinum hits such as Lupe Fiasco’s “The Show Goes On” and Lil Wayne’s “Right Above It” featuring Drake, while collaborating with global stars including Nicki Minaj, Will.I.Am, and Fantasia Barrino. His dynamic performances have been featured on major stages and broadcasts including the BET Awards, MTV VMAs, and The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
Beyond his celebrated career as a performer and producer, Floyd is deeply committed to music education and social impact. He has mentored through organizations such as the Summer Stars Foundation, 50 Cent’s G-Unity Foundation, and his own Floyd Foundation, which has donated more than 100 violins to aspiring young musicians. In 2020, he co-led the world’s first violin vigil honoring Elijah McClain, an event that drew national media attention and highlighted both his artistry and his advocacy for justice.
DJ VICTORIOUS
PATRON PARTY DJ
DJ Terry Green Jr., also known as DJ Victorious, will be spinning at the GSU Patron Party! A proud Grambling State University graduate and former member of the World Famed Tiger Marching Band, DJ Victorious brings his passion for music and natural talent as a mixmaster and vibe curator to every event. Born and raised in Beaufort, South Carolina, he's sure to make this party unforgettable!
2024 GSU KICKS BALL RECAP
We offer various sponsorship levels to suit your preferences and objectives.
By partnering with us, you will help students at Grambling State University achieve their academic goals and contribute to the development of future leaders.
GRAMBLING STATE X ADIDAS COLLABORATION
-
GRAMBLING STATE TIGERS ADIZERO EVO SL
BUY NOW2025 Versatile Running Shoes with LightStrikePro
for Optimal Responsiveness.
Meet the Grambling St Tigers Adizero EVO SL shoes, designed to push your limits. Inspired by the record-breaking EVO 1, these shoes are built for those who demand speed and performance. Grambling State graphics and school colors provide an official finishing touch.
2025 Honorees
-
NYIC'QUAVAYION WILLIS
Read MoreSTUDENT EXCELLENCE
Raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, Nyic'Quavayion Willis is the son of Shaquilla Willis and Nicholas Brown. He is a senior criminal justice major at Grambling State University, where he aspires to fulfill his dream of becoming a Civil Rights Attorney. Academically, Nyic'Quavayion has maintained a... -
JANICE CRITTON
Read MoreSERVICE EXCELLENCE
A native of Heflin, LA. A 1975 graduate from Sibley, High School in Sibley, LA as one of four co-valedictorians. Also a Fall 1979 Cum laude graduate from Grambling State University in Special Education. Worked in the Financial Aid Office as a student worker while in college and was...
-
Denise Young
Read MoreDenise Young recently closed a brilliant two-plus-decades career as a co-creator of the Apple Stores retail experience, ascending to Vice President level under Steve Jobs and as the first African American to rise to C-level at the company, reporting to CEO Tim Cook as the worldwide HR Chief...
-
STRADA Education Foundation
Read MoreStrada Education Foundation is a national nonprofit committed to linking post-secondary education and meaningful careers. Through its HBCU Initiative, Strada has invested $25 million to partner with nearly 48 historically Black colleges and universities...
