In the heart of Washington, D.C., a special evening is dedicated to celebrating the trailblazers who are reshaping the media landscape. For ten years, the Multicultural Media Correspondents Dinner (MMCD™) has been a signature event, bringing together the most influential voices in journalism, policy, and business to honor excellence and champion a vital cause: diversity in media. This year, on October 27, 2025, the 10th Annual MMCD Gala Extravaganza will continue this proud tradition at the iconic National Press Club.
This exclusive, invitation-only gathering is more than just an awards dinner; it’s a powerful statement. It’s a moment to recognize media luminaries of color who have broken barriers and a call to action to address the persistent diversity crisis in the industry. As we look forward to this milestone event, we invite you to understand why this night is so crucial for the future of media.
Celebrating a Legacy, Building a Future
The MMCD Gala has a rich history of honoring some of the most respected names in the industry. Past honorees include luminaries like Cathy Hughes, Jamie Foxx, Soledad O’Brien, Kristen Welker, and Tom Joyner. These individuals have not only achieved remarkable success but have also paved the way for others, using their platforms to tell stories that reflect the true diversity of our world.
This year, the tradition of excellence continues with an incredible lineup of honorees. We are thrilled to celebrate the achievements of:
- Loni Love: An Emmy and NAACP Image Award-winning actor, comedian, author, and activist.
- Amna Nawaz: The distinguished Co-Anchor and Co-Managing Editor of PBS NewsHour.
- Bing Chen: A visionary leader as the Co-Founder & CEO of Gold House.
- Cam Newton: Founder & CEO of Iconic Saga Productions, expanding his influence beyond the football field.
- Errin Haines: A founding mother of The 19th News and President of the National Association of Black Journalists.
- James Brown: A five-time Emmy Award-winning broadcaster and the celebrated host of The NFL Today on CBS.
- Juleyka Lantigua: The Peabody Award-nominated Founder & CEO of LWC Studios.
- Rocsi Diaz: An Emmy Award-winning TV host, actress, and radio personality.
Each of these individuals embodies the spirit of the MMCD Gala. Their work demonstrates the power and importance of having diverse voices in positions of influence, from the newsroom to the executive suite.
More Than a Gala: A Call to Action
The media diversity crisis has serious economic, social, and political implications. The Multicultural Media & Correspondents Association (MMCA) has launched a national call to action to address this issue head-on. The MMCD Gala serves as the cornerstone of this effort, acting as a platform to catalyze collective action and drive tangible change.
The primary goal is to increase the percentage of people of color who are creating, owning, controlling, and distributing entertainment and news content. This is not just about representation on screen; it’s about who has a seat at the table where decisions are made. It’s about ensuring that the stories being told are authentic, nuanced, and reflective of all communities.
The gala convenes over 250 media influencers, policymakers, and corporate executives who are committed to this cause. It provides a unique forum for thought leadership, information sharing, and strategic engagement among key stakeholders. By bringing these leaders together, the MMCA facilitates partnerships and fosters innovative solutions that can be scaled to make a real difference.
The Power of Partnership and Sponsorship
Achieving true media diversity requires a united front. The MMCD Gala offers a powerful opportunity for sponsors to demonstrate their commitment to this crucial issue. Sponsoring the event provides exclusive networking opportunities with key influencers and offers significant brand visibility among a highly engaged audience.
More importantly, it allows organizations to advance their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals. By supporting the gala, partners are investing in a groundbreaking social event that promotes media diversity and helps build a more equitable industry. This year, we are proud to have the Multicultural Media & Correspondents Exchange (MMCXchange) as our media partner, amplifying the event’s reach to over 50 million people in multicultural audiences.
Join the Movement for Media Diversity
The 10th Annual MMCD Gala Extravaganza is not just a celebration of past achievements; it is a launchpad for future progress. It is a testament to what can be accomplished when we come together with a shared purpose. The evening is a reminder that while the path to media equity is long, our collective efforts can create lasting change.
Whether you are a journalist, a media owner, a policymaker, or a corporate leader, your voice and support are needed. Consider purchasing a ticket to help us comp journalists and graduate students, or make a donation to fuel the MMCA movement. Your contribution helps expand our reach, provide critical resources, and magnify our impact.
On October 27, 2025, join us at the National Press Club for an unforgettable evening of celebration, inspiration, and action. Together, we can continue to champion the luminaries of today and cultivate the media leaders of tomorrow, ensuring a media landscape that is as diverse and dynamic as the world it serves.
#MediaDiversity #MMCDGala #OwningTheGame
