This past Friday March 21st, we gathered for a deeply moving and successful Tea and Testimony event, marking a significant step toward the unveiling of the Crystal LaBeija Monument. This intimate gathering brought together key figures from the House of LaBeija and the broader ballroom community to share personal stories, reflections, and the profound impact of Crystal’s legacy.

Set against the backdrop of the Accessories Council's office in Manhattan, the room carried a quiet reverence. The panel, featuring Junior LaBeija, Duchess LaWong, Vivian LaBeija, Jeffrey LaBeija, and Sadeena LaBeija, offered heartfelt testimonies that reflected not only on Crystal’s groundbreaking defiance but also on the resilience and evolution of ballroom culture.

Jeffrey spoke with quiet strength about the weight of carrying Crystal’s legacy, while Junior’s reflections on the political and cultural significance of Crystal’s work reminded everyone why this moment matters. This wasn’t just about honoring the past—it was about holding space for the future. Every word spoken carried the weight of history, but also the promise of what’s to come.

The stories shared at Tea and Testimony reinforced why Crystal’s legacy matters—not just to the House of LaBeija, but to the entire ballroom community and beyond. Her influence was not just felt—it was alive in every word spoken.

As we build momentum toward the unveiling of the monument on April 12, 2025, the House of LaBeija remains committed to preserving and uplifting the story of one of ballroom’s most influential figures. The unveiling is more than an event—it’s a declaration that Crystal’s legacy will not be forgotten.

Mark your calendar: The Crystal LaBeija Monument unveiling takes place on April 12, 2025, at the Museum of the City of New York.

More to come.

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