An Artful Evening at CAAM

Charmaine Jefferson, executive director of the California African American Museum greets the audience at the museum’s annual Gala, “An Artful Evening at CAAM,” held Saturday.

L.A. business owner and philanthropist Leon T. Garr (seated), is surrounded by family and friends after receiving CAAM’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Emmy-award winning artist, Obba Babatundé (left) and Executive Director of the California African American Museum, Charmaine Jefferson (right), present legendary dance icon, Carmen De Lavallade and her husband, Geoffrey Holder (not pictured), with a Lifetime Achievement Award at CAAM’s annual gala.

Dancer and L.A. native, Carmen De Lavallade speaks to the audience after receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award for herself and her husband felllow honoree, Geoffrey Holder, at CAAM annual cala.

Dancer and L.A. native, Carmen De Lavallade speaks to the audience after receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award for herself and her husband felllow honoree, Geoffrey Holder, at CAAM annual cala.

Dancer and L.A. native, Carmen De Lavallade speaks to the audience after receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award for herself and her husband felllow honoree, Geoffrey Holder, at CAAM annual cala.

NBA Hall of Fame player, coach and announcer, Bill Russell (right), presents a Lifetime Achievement Award to collage artist and “artpreneur,” Phoebe Beasley at CAAM’s annual gala.

Artist and “artpreneur,” Phoebe Beasley, speaks about her life and career after receiving CAAM’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the museum’s annual gala.

Artist and “artpreneur,” Phoebe Beasley, speaks about her life and career after receiving CAAM’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the museum’s annual gala.

Carmen De Lavallade (left) celebrates receiving CAAM’s Lifetime Achievement Award, with long-time friends and colleagues, including Lula Washington and Tamica Washington-Miller (center) of Lula Washington Dance Theatre, and legendary choreographer, Donald McKayle (seated right).

CAAM Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Carmen De Lavallade, poses with acclaimed actress and Emmy nominee, CCH Pounder, mistress of ceremonies at the CAAM annual gala.