A night of reflection, inspiration, connection, and hope at the Spy Museum, Washington, D.C. – Honoring 75 Years of Rising Up + Marching On
This milestone anniversary, while a celebration honoring the work of the last 75 years, was a gathering rooted in intention, history, and the enduring power of community. We were honored to help shape a meaningful evening that encouraged serendipitous connection and honored the legacy of justice and progress.
The theme of light and reflection as commonality became the undertone for the concept. We wanted to create space for serendipity and engagement amongst the guests who may otherwise not share a conversation. Table spaces numbered after milestone achievements hard-won by the organization provided guidance while prism adorned “blind” escort cards encouraged guests to lean in and go where the moment moved them. Each card had a flap that revealed a year and guests joined their other guests guided by their similar cause and mission.
Designed for Connection
With the concept of building longer tables (a la José Andres), two, 128′ long, continuous dinner tables stretched through the Spy Museum’s dynamic space—inviting guests to sit side-by-side, share a family-style meal, engage openly, and spark conversations that might not have happened otherwise. The layout fostered intimacy within the scale and created a shared experience that echoed the mission of the organization itself.
Above, a stunning 152-foot-long ceiling scape allowed light to create movement throughout the night. A nod to the shift in energy and feel of a space as moments unfolded even when it felt like nothing was changing. In fact, the space transformed throughout the shared meal from reflective to hopeful, from reverent to celebratory.
The meal itself was sourced from local, BIPOC owned farms and featured vegetarian and vegan menu designed to delight every palette.
Leading with Intention
While this organization represents over 240 coalition members, each with their own mission, the goal is one community connected by humanity. Multi-faith leaders guided the room with moments of intention, prayer and words of hope, grounding the gathered in a shared values and collective purpose. Their words set a tone of unity, respect, and resolve—a reminder of the work that continues.
Senator Corey Booker and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries lifted their voices with remarks that resonated deeply, speaking to the current moment and the path ahead. Their presence underscored the ongoing commitment to civil and human rights that the conference has championed for 75 years.
Why It Mattered
This was more than an event—it was a living testament to perseverance, community, and hope. Every detail, from the table design to the shifting light, worked together to support connection and contemplation, reflection and action.
It’s a reminder that meaningful gatherings do more than celebrate—they inspire.
Vendors:
Planning + Design @magnolia_bluebird magnoliabluebird.com
Photographer @rfdcphoto
Catering @spilledmilkdc
Venue @spymuseumprivateevents
Draping @fabeventsdc
Lighting @frostlightingdc
Wine Curation @grapeintentions
AV Production @pm1pro
Production + Decor @reveventpro
Rentals @tablemannersdc @bbjlatavola
DJ @zandientertainment @djrominzandi
Stationery @lepenndesigns
Custom Toile Design @sugartaylorco
