Ebony Ball 2024

Photos by Southern Illinois University - Carbondale Communication Department
Photographers: Todd Duermyer, Russel Bailey, Srinath Brahmavar Kamath, Kylen Lunn, Carson Vanbuskirk, and Deangelo Handley
Videographer: Prescott Doll
Drone Pilot: Todd Duermyer

As the Lead Creator for the 3rd annual Ebony Ball, my journey began immediately after the success of the 2nd Ebony Ball. I was determined to craft an event that would resonate deeply with our community, bringing fresh and relevant artistic elements to the forefront. My experience as the Lead Creator was a blend of creativity, community engagement, and meticulous planning, culminating in a night that celebrated living in the moment.

Theme Development:
I vividly remember the moments after the second Ebony Ball, when my mind was already racing with ideas for the next one. We had to steer clear of overplayed themes like the Great Gatsby or the Roaring 20s. I wanted something original and meaningful, something that would leave a lasting impression.

Late one night, as I was scrolling through Pinterest for inspiration, I stumbled upon the term "Ukiyo," a Japanese word that means living in the moment. This concept struck a chord with me, and I knew it was perfect. The theme "In this Moment" was born, encapsulating the essence of appreciating our surroundings and the present, especially in a beautiful place like Carbondale.

Inspiration and Research:
To flesh out this theme, I delved into various sources of inspiration. My Pinterest board became a treasure trove of ideas, from color palettes to decoration styles. I also drew inspiration from books, stories, and personal experiences. I was particularly captivated by the concept of "pretty words" on Pinterest, like ikigai and metanoia, which added depth and meaning to our theme.

I envisioned an event that celebrated our natural environment and the artistic talent within our community. Carbondale's lush greenery and vibrant local art scene provided the perfect backdrop. I wanted attendees to see the beauty in their surroundings and appreciate their unique experiences as college students.

Community Engagement:
Engaging the local community was a priority for me. I spent countless hours reaching out to local artists, businesses, and university departments. I attended craft sales, farmers markets, and visited local art studios. One memorable visit was to Project Human X, a local business that actively contributes to the community through art. They eagerly agreed to provide portrait services and artwork for the ball.

I also collaborated with SIU’s School of Music to find musicians who could add a touch of elegance to the event. After some searching, we secured a string trio, which perfectly complemented the evening's ambiance.

Promotion and Marketing:
Creating promotional materials for the Ebony Ball was an exciting challenge. Inspired by the Bulgari "Eternally Reborn" promotional video, I wanted our marketing to exude a similar level of sophistication and allure. I worked closely with Todd Duermyer, SIU’s Cinematographer/Creative Video Producer. His expertise, especially with drone footage, brought our vision to life. We spent hours planning shots and capturing the essence of our theme through stunning visuals.

Fun fact: the first picture on this site of a girl on a kayak on the lake is me! It was my first time on a kayak, and it was so fun. This specific picture was captured by Rusty (Russel Bailey). Additionally, I had to find the models for the photoshoot, and they were all students on campus.

When the student center marketing team was unable to assist, university marketing stepped in. Their support was invaluable, and together, we created promotional materials that truly reflected the spirit of the Ebony Ball.

Decorations and Venue Coordination:
Coordination with the venue was another critical aspect of my role. Jacob Wilson, the venue coordinator, was incredibly accommodating. We had numerous discussions about decorations, and he ensured that all my specific requests were met. I was in charge of the entire decoration process and held several meetings with professional decorators to achieve the desired look. These meetings were essential in transforming the venue into a space that perfectly embodied the theme "In this Moment."

Challenges and Departure:
Sustainability was a key focus for me. I developed a budget plan that reused decorations from the previous year, making the event cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Despite these efforts, I eventually parted ways with the organization due to differing values and a lack of appreciation for my contributions. Nevertheless, my ideas and plans were implemented, and the Ebony Ball was a resounding success in March 2024.

My journey as the Lead Creator of the Ebony Ball 2024 was a blend of passion, creativity, and dedication to our community. Despite the challenges, seeing my vision come to life and witnessing the joy and connections made that night was incredibly rewarding.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1VFHoZzbCdpDvVosTqgC1Z99ZMK76K5hV?usp=drive_link