Community College of Philadelphia showed why it's the premier community college in the country.

The 2019 Black & Gold Gala was a booming success. One of the most prominent annual charity events featured several CCP students, alumni, and administrators in front of a crowd of several hundred people at Vie on Spring Garden St. in Philadelphia on June 12.

“We’re here to celebrate the accomplishments of our honorees, some of our alumni, but we’re also here to recommit to the idea of supporting students who without community college, many of whom would have no other way forward," CCP President Dr. Donald Guy Generals, said during the event.

Rick WIlliams, 6abc Action News anchor, who served as the master of ceremonies of the event, praised Dr. Generals for being "the force behind the transformational forward thinking that has prompted CCP" to becoming what it is today. 

The Black & Gold Gala event recognizes outstanding individuals or organizations that demonstrate involvement in community growth in the areas of education, business, social services, health, and more. This year's outstanding individuals were Malcolm Jenkins, awarded with the Community Hero Award; Hayward Bell, awarded with the Alumni Achievement Award; and Julie Coker Graham, awarded with the Corporate Leadership Award. 

The event also provided a platform for several CCP alumni and scholarship recipients to share their stories on how the college has helped shape their success.

CCP's 50th Anniversary PROMISE Scholarship provides local high school graduates the opportunity to pursue an associate degree at CCP with no tuition cost.

This scholarship has been a force in helping Mayor Jim Kenney fulfill one of the primary points of his platform upon being elected mayor. 

“Access to a quality education has been a defining pillar of our administration," Mayor Kenney said. "In order for our city to grow and thrive, we must continue to provide our children with opportunities to learn and prepare for college and careers.”

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The three awardees have also played significant roles in helping the city grow and thrive, with the incredible work they're doing in their respective fields.