2025 Kismet of Kings Gala Recap: Transforming Dreams Into Achievements

May 4

On May 18th, 2025, more than 200 guests gathered at The View in Jersey City for a night that shimmered with promise, pride, and powerful purpose. This year’s Kismet of Kings Gala, themed “Transforming Dreams Into Achievements,” was more than a celebration—it was a declaration. A declaration that our young men are not waiting for change. They are leading it.

From the moment guests stepped through the doors, it was clear: this night would be unforgettable. Not just because of the beautiful skyline views or the fine dining. But because of the spirit in the room—the energy of a community rallying around the next generation of leaders.

A Night to Remember

The program began with a soul-stirring violin performance by Dwayne Beach that hyped the room and set the tone for the evening. Emotions continued to rise during a powerful alumni collaboration featuring Foday Koroma & Kapano Perry—two young men whose journeys represent the heart of what Kismet stands for: growth, grit, and giving back.

We also proudly honored five outstanding changemakers whose contributions uplift the community and ignite the potential of youth:

Gerald Guillaume
Tiffany Lewis
Joseph Milord
Youth Inspiration Honoree: Tahaad Pettiford
Organizational Honoree: She Is

Each tribute served as a living example of our mission in action: to transform pain into purpose, and dreams into lasting impact.

Powered by Purpose

By the end of the evening, our guests raised over $15,000—a testament to the deep belief our community has in the brilliance of our young men and the future they are building.

These funds directly support:

Mental wellness through our Health is Wealth initiative
Leadership training via the launch of KLAYM (Kismet Leadership Academy for Young Men)
Creative, character, and life skills development through year-round enrichment

These aren’t just programs. They are lifelines. They are blueprints for transformation. As Dashon Jamison, one of our standout participants, said best:

“This program showed me how to make my dreams real—not just for me, but for everybody coming behind me.”

Why It Matters

Kismet of Kings serves young Black and Brown men from some of Jersey City’s most under-resourced neighborhoods—many of whom face barriers that would break most adults: poverty, violence, trauma, systemic exclusion. Yet, when given the tools, mentorship, and belief—they thrive.

Since our founding, we've:

Enrolled 235+ young men
Impacted 500+ families
Contributed 10,000+ hours of community service
Launched 6 youth-led businesses
Seen our Kings become 4x more likely to graduate high school on time and 10x more likely to pursue college

This Gala wasn’t just a fundraiser. It was a movement. And the momentum continues.

Thank You

To our honorees, performers, guests, volunteers, corporate sponsors, and every individual who lifted their voice or paddle in support—thank you. You didn’t just show up for an event. You showed up for a future. And our Kings felt it.

Let’s continue to invest in their brilliance.

Until next year—#KingsRise