Chance the Rapper, Roddy Rich, and More Step Out for the 4th Annual Jayce’s Journey Autism Awareness Sneaker Gala in LA
Chance the Rapper & Tyler Lepley step out for the 4th Annual Jayce's Journey Sneaker Gala in LA, honoring Black fathers navigating autism. The post Chance the Rapper, Roddy Rich, and More Step Out for the 4th Annual Jayce’s Journey Autism Awareness Sneaker Gala in LA appeared first on The Quintessential Gentleman.
Black News 
On Sunday evening, the W Hotel in Hollywood hosted the 4th Annual Jayce’s Journey Autism Awareness Sneaker Ball Gala and Fundraiser. This year’s theme is Black Fathers. Autism. Breaking the Silence, centering on the often-overlooked role of men navigating the complexities of the spectrum.
The event, founded by Deidre Price, CEO of The Price Life and Jayce’s Journey Inc., has evolved from a personal family mission into a significant cultural platform. Price shared the intentional shift in focus this year, highlighting a need to recognize the men who have stepped into the forefront of advocacy.
“I feel like we always see the women in this space that are showing up… I think there’s been a big shift in that,” Price shared on the blue carpet. “I think that men have been taking the forefront and they’ve been advocating and speaking up and being more transparent about having children on the spectrum.”
The evening served as a necessary disruption to the stigmas surrounding mental health and disability in the Black community. Stacey McAlister, founder of 5 Eleven Hoops and one of the night’s honorees, spoke about the emotional weight fathers carry.
“You’re going to experience every emotion as a father with a kid with autism,” McAlister said. “You’re going to be sad. You’re going to be mad. You’re going to cry. You’re going to question God.”
McAlister shared that “holding it in and masking is not the way to go.” He encouraged fathers to find a “village” or a therapist, noting that a father’s involvement is crucial because “our kids are watching us.”
The room was packed with influential figures showing their support, including Chance the Rapper, Tyler Lepley, Roddy Rich, and Miracle Watts.
Among the attendees was TV personality and relationship mentor Marcus Black, who reframed the conversation around autism from one of disability to one of unique strength. “These are superheroes,” Black shared. “Trying to learn how to understand… how they navigate through life, and how to use their superpowers with our superpowers in our society… that’s a beautiful thing.”
Black also touched on the power of awareness in disarming the fear of the unknown. “I think we fear what we don’t know,” he explained. “When you are aware of something… it just spreads the word so people are familiar with it and not caught off guard.”
Beyond the signature D’usse and Gran Coramino cocktails, the urgency of the cause remained the focus. Statistics show that autism affects 1 in 31 children in the U.S., yet Black children are often diagnosed later due to systemic inequities.
Deidre Price’s message to parents newly navigating this journey was one of profound hope and practical advice.
“I promise you it gets so much better… All the fears will be canceled out,” she assured. She urged parents to jump in early with support, research, and lifestyle adjustments, stating, “Do the work because it’ll change their lives.”
Check out more photos from the event below.
Photo Credit: Princeofthegram / Nikki Boutte
The post Chance the Rapper, Roddy Rich, and More Step Out for the 4th Annual Jayce’s Journey Autism Awareness Sneaker Gala in LA appeared first on The Quintessential Gentleman.
