With so many events being planned for inauguration weekend, the HBCU Inaugural Gala Ball will be one of the very few targeting young African American professionals, many of which will be traveling to D.C. to witness history in the making. The event will not only be celebrating the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama but will also be held on the evening of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.

Ticket demand for anything inaugural is high and several of the unofficial balls are now sold out. The HBCU Inaugural Gala Ball staff received an influx of ticket requests when the event was first announced. Gala coordinator Stacie E. Hawkins, a HBCU alumnus states, "People are really excited about coming to Washington for the Inauguration. We have been hearing from HBCU Alumni of all ages who are thrilled to be a part of this historic moment."

HBCU stands for Historically Black College and Universities and the Gala is planning to donate a portion of the proceeds to charities that give scholarships to students attending HBCUs.