100 years ago, an incredible movement began. Known as the the Harlem Renaissance, the movement was a cultural awareness that took shape in the 1920s and 1930s which celebrated African American art, music, & literature. The movement challenged the racist stereotypes that were commonplace at the time & eventually gave rise tot eh civil rights movement that thrust the communities of color into the forefront of societal conversation. The movement inspires artists, creatives of all genres, and intellectuals to this day.
One such forward thinker is Myrdith Leon-McCormack, a serial entrepreneur, founder of World Bride Magazine, fashion muse, and all around renaissance woman. Myrdith began her fashion journey in Harlem & has never forgotten the importance of the neighborhood in her life & to this day, takes every opportunity to shed light & awareness of the rich cultural heritage of Harlem & the people who live there.
When she realized that the century mark was upon us since the recognized start of this rich, historic movement, she couldn’t just sit back & allow it to pass unheralded. A lightbulb moment came when she was visiting one of her clients’ properties, the Renaissance New York Harlem Hotel. Located on West 125th Street, directly next door to the iconic Apollo Theater, the Renaissance New York Harlem Hotel is not only perfectly located, but had the name of the movement in its moniker. The location & name were only the beginning. As she strolled though the lobby of the hotel, taking in the lively scene of music, decor, & culinary delights, it all came to her… The Legacy Ball of Harlem!
Being held on Monday, May 5th, 2025 in the Grand Ballroom of the Renaissance New York Harlem Hotel, the inaugural installment of the Legacy Ball will celebrate the history & culture of the neighborhood & introduce attendees to the modern zeitgeist that continues to inspire an entire new generation of local creatives in all areas of society.
Joining Myrdith as the guest of honor for the evening will be A’Lelia Bundles, the author of Joy Goddess: A’Lelia Walker and the Harlem Renaissance (Scribner, June 2025), the first major biography of her great-grandmother, and of On Her Own Ground: The Life and Times of Madam C.J. Walker, a New York Times Notable Book and bestseller about her great-great-grandmother, an early 20th century hair care industry entrepreneur and philanthropist.
In addition to Ms. Bundles, there are several other notable guests, speakers, & performers from dance to Broadway confirmed to surprise & entertain those in attendance.
To get your tickets to the event, which include dinner, swag bag, & other goodies depending on the ticket level purchased, simply scan the QR code on the invite above, or visit the event page on the World Bride Magazine website:
worldbridemagazine.com/wbm-events
Tickets for the evening start at only $175.00 & go up from there for additional experiences, access, all the way up to fully sponsored tables at a variety of levels.