A Night of Grace, Legacy and Outstanding Wisdom. UBIG Honors Barbados With A Stellar Independence & Scholarship Gala

There are some evenings that feel instantly memorable—nights where culture, community, and history converge with such intention that you can feel the pride in the room before a word is spoken. The United Barbadians in Georgia (UBIG) delivered exactly that spirit on Saturday, November 15th at their annual Barbados Independence and Scholarship Gala. This year’s celebration carried even deeper meaning, marking the 59th anniversary of Barbados’ independence and the nation’s fourth year as a Republic—a milestone UBIG honored with reverence, joy, and unmistakable Caribbean pride.

As their holiday-season guest, Lenox & Parker had the pleasure of witnessing a program that was not only beautifully executed but deeply rooted in heritage. The theme—GLOW: Grace, Legacy, and Outstanding Wisdom—served as the guiding light for an evening dedicated to honoring the past while investing in the future. It was a perfect reminder of how diasporic communities keep culture alive: through reverence, through remembrance, and through the joyful responsibility of passing wisdom forward.

The evening began under the warm leadership of Sophie Holden, President of UBIG, who extended a personal invitation that felt as gracious and welcoming as the community she represents. Sophie is a proud ambassador for Barbados—one who advocates tirelessly to ensure the Atlanta community recognizes and supports the mission of the United Barbadians in Georgia. Her presence set the tone: elegant, purposeful, and grounded in national pride.

From its inception, UBIG has committed itself to people-centered service, offering more than well-intentioned words. The organization pledged long-term support to two clinics in Barbados—the Maurice Byer Polyclinic in St. Peter and the St. Philip Polyclinic—cementing a tangible promise to community health and wellbeing. This year, UBIG advanced that promise even further, completing a beautification project at Maurice Byer while continuing to introduce partners to the cultural richness and philanthropic heartbeat of their island home.

The program was masterfully guided by Gabrielle Taitt, whose polished presence and warmth stitched each moment seamlessly together. The invocation, delivered by Dr. Winston Worrell, was a stirring acknowledgement of gratitude and purpose—an invitation to center the night on appreciation, unity, and the divine grace that GLOW represents.

One of the standout gems of the evening was comedian Tim Young, who kept the audience laughing with an ease and charisma that made the room feel intimately connected. His humor wove cultural familiarity with joyful storytelling, making him an unforgettable highlight.

The heart of the gala beat strongest during the scholarship presentations and community excellence awards, moments that embodied UBIG’s commitment to cultivating opportunity and celebrating impact. These recognitions were followed by an inspiring message from Reverend Sean B. Smith, Senior Advisor for Faith Affairs to Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. His reflections echoed the night’s theme—a reminder that legacy is built not only by achievement but by service steeped in love for community.

The evening’s energy lifted even higher with a breathtaking live performance by the sensational Tony Norval, whose vocals brought an island warmth that wrapped the audience like a soft Caribbean breeze. It was a performance that reminded everyone why music remains one of the most soulful vessels of cultural memory.

As the night came to a close, one thing was abundantly clear: UBIG created more than a gala. They curated an experience—one that honored Barbados’ independence, uplifted its people, and celebrated the enduring power of community. It was GLOW in motion: grace that welcomed, legacy that inspired, and wisdom that reminded us how culture continues when we choose to nurture it.

Lenox & Parker extends heartfelt appreciation for the invitation and looks forward to covering UBIG’s meaningful work throughout 2026. If the gala was any indication, the organization’s future is as bright as the island sun that inspires their mission.