- The Alaska Black Caucus is the premier non-partisan organization asserting the constitutional rights of African Americans in Alaska.
Join Us for an Unforgettable Weekend of Culture, Community, and Celebration
We are thrilled to invite you to two exclusive, high-profile events on Friday, October 23, and Saturday, October 24, 2026. This premium weekend experience blends award-winning cinema, vital civic engagement, and elegant celebration.
The first event is the showing of an award-winning film titled “Can You Stand the Rain,” by Director Eden Marryshow. The Director is showing this film in 50 states and is now on schedule to feature it in Alaska. It will be shown at the Wilda Marston Theater at 6:30 pm, with a meet-and-greet with candidates on the November ballot; the director will also be there to discuss the film. Food and beverages are included, along with a red-carpet photo session. This event is included with your ticket or table purchase for the Dinner Gala on October 24, 2026.
The next night, Saturday, October 24, 2026, we will host an elegant Dinner Gala, with music by Party Train (formerly the GAP band), dancing, and civic activities. The event will take place at the Bayshore Club House at 6:00 pm. Tickets are on sale now via Eventbrite (see below for ways to purchase single, double, table -seats 6). Once you purchase a ticket for the Dinner Gala, the Friday film is automatically included (package deal).
Sponsorship packages are also available. Review the details below and get your tickets for this great opportunity.
Night 1 (Oct 23): Film screening of ” Can You Stand the Rain: at the Wilda Marston Theatre, director Q&A, and a “Candidate Corner” to meet local election candidates face-to-face.
Night 2 (Oct 24): A catered Soul Food dinner gala, dancing, and a live performance by Mr. Houston (formerly of the Gap Band) at the Bayshore Clubhouse.
The tour launches on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, at the Wilda Marston Theatre, 3600 Denali Street at 6:30 pm, with a screening of the award – winning film “Can You Stand the Rain”, featuring an exclusive meet-and greet with Director Eden Marryshow and local candidates.
The momentum continues Saturday, Oct. 24th at the Bayshore Clubhouse, 3131 Amber Bay Loop with a catered Soul Food dinner gala, voter education resources, and live entertainment by Mr. Houston, the lead singer of the Party Train and former member of the legendary Gap Band.
Regular Tickets are on sale NOW
$25-Single or 1
$45-Couples or 2
$200-Table of 6
All table purchasers receive a Reserved Table, Signage, Gift Bag for each guest, two Drink Tickets
SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES
$1,000 Premium Sponsorship
Reserved VIP Table (seats 6)
Full-page ad in the Program Book
Recognition on screen during the event
Six Gift Bags
Six Executive Memo Booklets
Complimentary 2 Bottles of Wine or Champagne
Free ABC One-Year Membership for each guest
$750 Diamond Sponsorship
Half-page ad in the Program Book
Reserved VIP Table (seats 6)
Recognition on screen during the event
Complimentary One Bottle of Wine or Champagne
Six Gift Bags
$500 Silver Sponsorship
Quarter-page ad in the Program Book
Reserved VIP Table (seats 6)
Recognition on screen during the event
Six Gift Bags
If you are interested in a Sponsorship Package for these events, please submit your Advertisement via email to: btyler.abc@gmail.com. Make sponsorship checks payable to Alaska Black Caucus and mail to Alaska Black Caucus, P.O. Box 200048, Anchorage, AK 99520, or pay online at https://bit.ly/4xKHCOz.
With a policy focus on workforce development and juvenile justice prevention, the P.O.P. “Hustlepreneur” is a three-month entrepreneurship and mentoring intervention program rooted in the culinary arts. Led by credible messengers and trained professionals who serve as Pen or Pencil affiliate leaders, the program empowers justice-involved youth (ages 15–21).
The Program works through:
* Entrepreneurship & Culinary Training: Hands-on experience in the culinary arts combined with entrepreneurial education
* Career & Personal Development: Career exploration and group mentoring to improve outcomes such as hope, self-esteem, resilience, and future orientation.
* Interpersonal Skills Training, Workshops, and communication, assertiveness, conflict resolution, and negotiation strategies for use with peers and adults will occur.
Please call Ouida Morrison at (907) 242-9976 or email her at ouidaak@gmail.com with any questions or concerns.
The Chef Jeff Project:
Another innovative story, The Chef Jeff Project is a 2008 Food Network reality television series hosted by chef and author Jeff Henderson. Chef Jeff Henderson used his culinary skills he learned during a federal prison sentence to rebuild his life and become a successful executive chef and caterer.
Jeff Henderson’s life story is a powerful journey of redemption, showing how determination and passion transformed a convicted felon into a celebrated chef, author, and mentor.
In 1988, at the age of 24, Henderson was arrested by authorities for drug trafficking and sentenced to over ten years in federal prison, serving the majority of his term until 1997. While in prison, he discovered his passion for cooking.
Upon release in 1997, Henderson faced stereotyping due to his criminal record, making it difficult to find employment in the culinary world. He worked to prove himself and eventually gained roles as a line cook and chef in Los Angeles area hotels, including the Ritz-Carlton and Hotel Bel-Air, and quickly rose to become the first African American Chef de Cuisine and later, Executive Chef at Cafe’ Bellagio, solidifying his status as a leading chef.
Through the Chef Jeff Project, he empowers at-risk youth with culinary skills, business know-how, and mentorship to create opportunities for success. Beyond his culinary achievements, Henderson’s story motivates others to overcome adversity, showing that with hard work and determination, transformation and success are possible.
