On the eve of the 150th Kentucky Derby, under brightly lit tents constructed at Washington Street, The Trifecta Gala celebrated its swan song.
As one of the most prestigious Derby events for decades, the annual charitable event celebrating and honoring African American contributions to the prestigious horse race promised a momentous closing ceremony, and what a closing it was.
2024 Trifecta Gala. Image: courtesy Mirrored Media.
Only EBONY was allowed inside the highly anticipated annual event, which former NBA star and business mogul Ulysses “Junior” Bridgeman and his wife Doris started in 2002. EBONY CEO Eden Bridgeman Sklenar shared why the gala has made such an impact on its community.
Ryan Bridgeman, Eden Bridgeman Sklenar and Justin Bridgeman at Trifecta Gala 2024. Image: EBONY.
“If you think back to tradition, the first ever was us,” shared Bridgeman Sklenar, who posed with her brothers Ryan and Justin Bridgeman on the gala’s red carpet. She was referring to Black Americans’ long-standing history with the Kentucky Derby, which includes being the first jockeys back in 1875. “We were the ones that won that race. And so for the 150th, we wanted to come here and be the best.”
She added, “It is pretty incredible for a family here in Louisville, Kentucky, to carve out a lane for us to say, ‘You know what? We’re bringing excellence.’ But we’re bringing Black excellence.”
After a hilarious opening by comedian Chris Tucker, the night’s headliner, Bruno Mars, hit the stage. Performing some of his greatest hits, including “That’s What I Like,” Marry You” and “24K Magic,” Mars gave a full-out concert that was grown, soulful and sexy and had guests jumping up and down to the beat.
Lisa Leslie and husband Michael Lockwood at The Trifecta Gala 2024. Image: Michael Hickey/Getty Images for Trifecta Gala.
Star Jones at The Trifecta Gala 2024 in Louisville, Kentucky. Image: Michael Hickey/Getty Images for Trifecta Gala.
Brent Faiyaz. Image: Mirrored Media.
Kenny Burns. Image: Mirrored Media.
(l-r) Tina Knowles and Holly Robinson Peete. Image: Mirrored Media.
(l-r) Smoky Robinson and Chris Tucker. Image: Mirrored Media.
Celebrities in attendance included basketball greats Lisa Leslie, Angel McCoughtry and Festus Ezeli, celebrated football alum Emmitt Smith, Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah “Pop” Pacheco and more. The night benefitted Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana.
This year’s Trifecta Gala, situated next to Lousiville’s Slugger Stadium, was housed in 40,000 sq. feet of customized tenting, which could be seen from the air as planes descended into Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport.
Junior and Doris Bridgeman at The Trifecta Gala 2024 in Louisville, Kentucky. Image: Michael Hickey/Getty Images for Trifecta Gala.
“We’ve done events at the Derby before, and we just thought the 150th is special, so we wanted to do something that hadn’t been seen in the community before,” Junior Bridgeman shared on the gala’s red carpet. “We wanted to make it a great night with a great entertainer and for people to have a good time.”
Celebrity guests and VIPs ventured through the rose-covered entryway, their first encounter with tens of thousands of fresh red roses throughout the space. Inspired by the gardens at Churchill Downs—home of the Kentucky Derby— the first tent featured a large video installation showcasing the history and legacy of the Derby.
2024 Trifecta Gala. Image: courtesy Mirrored Media.
Cocktails flowed with a signature bourbon drink from the night’s sponsor, Woodford Reserve, while a specialty photo booth allowed guests to step into a frame and join a picture wall of Derby legends. Other gallery walls featured Kentucky Derby godfathers and original jockeys, where 13 of the original 15 riders were African American.
2024 Trifecta Gala. Image: courtesy Mirrored Media.
The grand hall had several hanging installations, including a custom-lit Trifecta sign, an abstract hanging stage installation of iconic Churchill Downs spires and floral chandeliers. Suspended above the bar was a custom horse sculpture by artist Damon Davis.
EBONY’s CEO Eden Bridgeman Sklenar. Image: Mirrored Media.
An immersive LED tunnel connected the two tents with the sights, sounds and smells of the Derby. Soundtracked by a custom score and screens broadcasting archival Derby footage, Bridgeman Sklenar posed while holding her baby bump, roses cascading in her hair.
“We hope that Derby and our participation in such a momentous occasion will allow anyone, especially people of color, to put on their best and show up because they are welcome. You are welcome here in Louisville, Kentucky.”
Over choosing the location for the final gala, Bridgeman commented, “We have been in every venue that the city has for over 20 years, and for this one, we wanted to be in the heart of the city.”
The family’s goal was to put up a structure that could be used in the future. “Hopefully, this [space]is not a one-and-done,” she continued. “We want to impact the city year-round. We want to sunset gala, but allow something else to be worn here that is even more impactful for years to come.”
As the music came to a close and the last of the champagne flowed, it was a glorious end for The Trifecta Gala to say its last goodbye… or has it?
“Everybody says this is the last one, but I don’t truly trust [that],” declared VIP guest Star Jones, who has attended the galas for the past decade. “The Bridgman family just love hosting and they are just some of the kindest people. I have had so much fun.”
