A White Linen Legacy: Where Elegance Meets Purpose at the 24th Annual Hank Stewart’s White Linen Affair

There are evenings that sparkle with style, and then there are moments that shimmer with meaning. On Saturday, July 26, 2025, the 24th Annual Hank Stewart’s White Linen Affair delivered both—an exquisite tapestry of legacy, culture, and commitment woven into every detail. Hosted on the picturesque grounds of Enon Ranch in College Park, Georgia, and presented by the Arby’s Foundation, the affair was a breathtaking celebration of purpose through poise.

Themed “A Legacy of Honoring the Past, Investing in the Future,” this signature event by the Stewart Foundation transcended the definition of a fundraiser. It became a living, breathing tribute to Black excellence, a community’s shared vision for generational empowerment, and a call to action that echoed with both grace and urgency.

Among the evening's most awe-inspiring moments was the presence of the legendary Xernona Clayton, civil rights icon and media trailblazer, who was in attendance as one of the evening’s highest honors—the “IT” Award—was presented in her name. At over 90 years old, Ms. Clayton continues to be a pillar of power, grace, and service. A woman who walked and talked with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and who made history as the first Black woman in the South to host a prime-time television show, her very presence electrified the room with reverence. Still active in civic leadership, she embodies the living legacy of the civil rights movement—and her impact continues to shape the course of Black history, media, and empowerment.

An Enchanting Welcome: Where Nature and Nobility Converged

The evening began as the sun kissed the landscape with golden light. Guests, adorned in flowing white attire, were greeted by an outdoor social hour unlike any other. The scene was serene yet stately: natural sunlight glimmered on the surface of a tranquil lake, fountains danced gently in the background, and garden pathways ushered attendees through manicured greens into a space that felt sacred.

Cocktail tables lined the patio, as soft jazz melodies floated on the breeze and laughter rose above the rhythm of conversation. It was an intentional moment of community—a chance for connection and reflection beneath Georgia’s blushing sky.

A Venue Transformed: Opulence with Purpose

 The décor struck a perfect balance between luxury and warmth—sheer white drapery framed the room, the lighting was soft, and each table sparkled with candles, florals, and elegant touches. The energy was both intimate and profound.

This elegant space served as the heartbeat of a mission fueled by the Stewart Foundation, co-founded by Hank Stewart and Gwen Mason, with over 40,000 young people impacted through programs in education, leadership, entrepreneurship, and health. The Foundation continues to make generational change not only possible—but inevitable.

A Symphony of Sound, Spirit, and Celebration

The program opened with a soul-stirring performance by internationally acclaimed saxophonist Antonio Allen and continue to flow with Melvin Miller and ARIA the dynamic duo who captivated the audience with  melodies swept through the room like a prayer, connecting everyone present in rhythm and reverence.

Janice L. Mathis, legal powerhouse and Director at Clark Atlanta University’s Thomas W. Dortch Institute, reminded us all of the fight for equity in education and policy. Michael L. Thurmond, former DeKalb County CEO and revered author, drew applause with his reflections on perseverance and the importance of preserving Black heritage.

Presiding with unwavering grace and signature storytelling was Monica Pearson, Georgia’s iconic trailblazer in broadcast journalism. As Mistress of Ceremonies, she guided the evening with dignity and warmth, affirming the brilliance and depth of Black voices.

Honoring Greatness: A Salute to Community Pillars

The evening also served as a spotlight for those who embody legacy in action:

• Melanie Campbell, President of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, was awarded the Xernona Clayton “IT” Award for her transformative work empowering Black women and girls across the nation.

• The Honorable Calvin Smyre, former Georgia State Representative and longtime civic champion, was presented with the Ambassador Andrew Jackson Young Humanitarian Award.

Named in honor of Ambassador Andrew Young, a global icon of civil rights and diplomacy, this award celebrates leaders who serve not only with vision, but with compassion and courage. Ambassador Young—who marched alongside Dr. King, served as Mayor of Atlanta, a U.S. Congressman, and United Nations Ambassador—has spent his life advancing equality, economic justice, and peace. The award bestowed upon Smyre carried the weight of that powerful legacy and a charge to continue it.

• Pastor Jamal Bryant, a prophetic voice for justice and faith, was honored with the Dr. Joseph E. Lowery “Courageous” Award for his bold movement with the boycott of the Target Corporation for the deminitioning of the DEI that significantly financially impacted Targets financial bottom line. THIS movement was so powerful it shook the nation proving what unity in the community can DO. With his  enduring leadership in both the church and Civil Rights movement, Pastor Bryant show us what COURAGE really is.

A Culinary Experience to Remember One of the evening’s many highlights came courtesy of Chef Rasul York, the celebrated ACF & NBCA Certified celebrity chef and Co-Owner of Grits & Eggs Breakfast Kitchen. While not an honoree, Chef York was honored through appreciation—his masterfully prepared dinner offering a flavor-filled journey that danced across the palate and left guests raving. The dinner was crafted with intention and soul, reflecting his signature blend of Southern roots and refined culinary artistry.

From taste to tone, the evening was an immersive experience—an elegant union of nourishment and narrative.

Made Possible by a Village of Visionaries

The event was brought to life through the generosity and shared vision of its sponsors:

Pinnacle Sponsor

• Arby’s Foundation

Title Sponsor

• Someone Cares

Gold Sponsors

• Shirley A. Langley, CPA

• Georgia-Pacific

Silver Sponsors

• Georgia Power

• The Law Office of Keith Lamar Jr.

• George & Gloria Brooks

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Centennial Celebration

Bronze Sponsor

• Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory

In-Kind Sponsors included a dynamic array of contributors such as Celebrity Media TV, DJ Haze, Drone Lyfe, Grits & Eggs, Teasley Law Group, Platinum Ribbon Designs, Platinum Limousine,The Minerva Foundation, JLM Production, Che'Rene' Macaroons & More, Jesse Hall Voice Talent, Eden Parties and Events, Custom Made for You, The Whole - Some Group, Socialight in the City, IGMA Inc, Korrect Tech, Media Miracles, EVA, Nicole Massiah Commissioner, New Life Church, GAB Speaks LLC. Their support not only made the evening possible—it magnified its purpose.

The Blueprint for a Brighter Tomorrow

The 24th Annual White Linen Affair was more than a glamorous gathering. It was a declaration. A community’s affirmation that we do not merely honor the past—we expand its promise. We invest in our youth. We rewrite the narrative. We feed the soul, uplift the voice, and empower the next.

As Monica Pearson so eloquently stated,

“Our stories are not just history. They are a blueprint for the future.”

And on this enchanted evening, that blueprint unfolded in grace, in unity, and in the enduring glow of shared legacy—with the living legends Xernona Clayton,  Ambassador Andrew Young, and the late Rev. Dr. Joseph E Lowery will for ever shine as  reminder of what’s possible when passion meets purpose.

To support the Stewart Foundation or learn more, visit:www.stewartfoundation.com

Photo credits by Paul Biagui & Kept Entertainment