Jeezy’s annual Sno Ball reminds Atlanta to be impactful
The Sno Ball made a gallant return to Atlanta Thursday night with its largest turnout ever.
Hosted by rapper Jay “Jeezy” Jenkins, whose Street Dreamz Foundation serves at-risk youth, the charity gala boasted over 300 guests for its fifth-annual event.
“When I go around the world and I represent this city, I’m not just representing people that made it, like us,” said Jenkins. “I make sure that I represent the youngsters that want to make it like us.”
The Delta Flight Museum, which marked its centennial earlier this year, was transformed into a black-tie venue for the occasion.
This year, the Sno Ball celebrated Atlanta’s cultural impact.
“The theme that lives in all of our hearts is ‘FILA: Forever I Love Atlanta,’” rapper and actor Chris “Ludacris” Bridges announced while hosting the gala. “Everybody here knows that this city is not just a place on a map. It’s the heartbeat of culture. It’s the birthplace of movements and the launching pad for dreams.
“Atlanta has always been a trendsetter and never ever, ever a follower.”
Bridges lauded Atlanta’s musicians for their community involvement and paying it forward to future generations.
“Atlanta’s greatest export has always been excellence, resilience and an unwavering belief that anything is possible when you rep this city with pride,” Bridges continued. “Atlanta made us who we are, and we’re committed to making sure it continues to shine for those coming up behind us.”
A who’s who of Atlanta showed up. CeeLo Green stepped out in a black-and-white houndstooth suit. Restauranteurs Pinky Cole and Derrick Hayes were decked out in complementary white ensembles. Radio personality Ryan Cameron shimmered in red velvet, and Congresswoman Nikema Williams glistened in gold.
Even Jeezy’s youngest daughter, Monaco Jenkins, dazzled in a champagne-colored dress and tiara.
Mayor Andre Dickens, singer Timeka “Tiny” Harris and activist Tamika Mallory were also in attendance. Rappers Raheem The Dream, Bone Crusher, Lil Jon and the YoungBloodZ surprised the crowd with performances of “The Most Beautiful Girl,”“Never Scared,” “Damn!,” “Presidential” and “Snap Yo Fingers.”
Created in 2013, the Street Dreamz Foundation works to uplift children in marginalized communities. Over the past year, organizers said the nonprofit helped youth with entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and health and wellness.
According to a representative of Jenkins, Street Dreamz Foundation made $250,000 — from ticket sales and silent auctions — at the 2024 Sno Ball.
Tickets started at $1,000 this year, and silent auctions for luxury vacations, sneakers and signed jerseys were held.
One of the charitable organization’s areas of focus is financial literacy, which they’ve partnered with Urban League of Greater Atlanta for youth-focused events. Street Dreamz has also worked with the Atlanta chapter of Local Initiatives Support Corporation, a national nonprofit financial institution that supports community development initiatives.
“Every young person deserves a chance to thrive,” said Na’eema Rashad, chief operating officer of JWJ Enterprise which oversees the Street Dreamz Foundation.
Jenkins, who released his autobiography “Adversity for Sale” in 2023, spoke on his rough upbringing. Acknowledging that he never thought he’d become the success he has, he felt he had the responsibility to be a resource for children who encounter similar hardships.
“I could never imagine being a part of a room like this with the things I went through as a young child, young man, young teenager,” Jenkins said. “I know why I’m here. I’m here to make an impact. I’m here to continue to lean into my community.”
He gave credit to his supporters over the years, saying they helped him become a better person.
“I can never pay Atlanta back for what they’ve done for me.”
Then, Jenkins pledged his commitment to helping children of color and Atlanta as a whole.
“I’m not doing this for show. I’m not doing this for play,“ he said. “Help me help our people. Help me help these kids. And help me show them that I’m not the only person who believes in them.”
About the Author
Brooke Leigh Howard is a reporter for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Black culture team, UATL.
