The Council for Quality Growth is pleased to announce the cultural and opening tributes for the 2026 Four Pillar Tribute, taking place on October 1, 2026, at the Georgia World Congress Center. The 37^th Four Pillar Tribute, presented by the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, Delta Air Lines, Georgia Power, and Norfolk Southern, will honor Egbert Perry for his decades-long contributions to Atlanta and his lasting impact on the city’s business, civic, and cultural communities.

The main performance of the evening will be a Cultural Tribute by NEXT Atlanta, citywide platform that amplifies Atlanta’s creatives. Led by Founder and CEO Faith Carmichael and working with artists of color and mission-driven organizations, NEXT Atlanta creates performances, exhibitions, public art, storytelling, and cultural experiences that elevate artists, connect communities, and help partners advance their missions through the power of art. The founding of NEXT has a special tie to this year’s Four Pillar recipient. In 2009, groups of artists would gather in salons where art and ideas could spark change. Egbert Perry served as their first patron. His support helped that exchange of ideas grow into what NEXT is today, a cultural brand consultancy with national relevance and global aspirations.

At the Four Pillar Tribute, three NEXT artists have been selected to pay tribute to Egbert Perry and recognize his decades-long commitment to elevating Atlanta’s artists and creating more opportunities for dialogue, art, and communities to come together and initiate social change. The Cultural Tribute, titled “Building Community through Art” is a curated combination of film, literary, and musical talent that have been carefully selected to honor Perry and his contributions to Atlanta’s art and cultural scene. Artists include:

• Jon Goode, a NEXT 2014 Literary Artist, is an Emmy Award-winning poet, author, and storyteller whose work has appeared on HBO, TV One, and BET. Known for his powerful presence on stage and page, Goode is the bestselling author of Conduit, Mydas, and Black Curio.
• Kenny Banks Jr., a NEXT 2022 Musical Artist, is a jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader whose gospel- and blues-infused style brings expressive depth and inventive clarity. A 2019 American Pianist Award Finalist, his performances reflect creative freedom, musical curiosity, and a deep sense of community.
• Bria Anai, a NEXT 2025 Musical Artist, is a singer-songwriter whose voice carries striking emotional clarity. A 2015 American Idol Semi-finalist and classically trained vocalist, Anai blends soul, R&B, and pop to spark connection, reflection, and shared healing.

The evening will begin with a special Opening Tribute, titled “A Celebration of Home,” that featured both the PanSonics Steel Band and the Caribbean Dancers of Atlanta. This performance honors Egbert Perry’s Caribbean roots and the heritage that has remained a meaningful part of his journey. Through bother music and movement, the tribute will bring the spirit and sounds of Antigua and Barbuda to Atlanta, celebrating where Perry’s story began. PanSonics Steal Band is an Atlanta-based ensemble led by Musical Director Vere Henry. Their expansive repertoire spans calypso, reggae, gospel, jazz, and more, celebrating the rich musical traditions of the Caribbean. The Caribbean Dancers of Atlanta is also an Atlanta-based performance known for authentic Caribbean dancing, stilt walking, and dynamic performance. The group has shared their high-energy artistry that brings the color and movement of the islands to celebrations with Atlanta for more than 20 years.

The Council for Quality Growth looks forward to celebrating Egbert Perry’s legacy, which spans from Atlanta to Antigua and Barbuda. More than 1,200 business, civic, and philanthropic leaders from across the region and state are expected to gather at the Georgia World Congress Center on October 1^st. The Council is incredibly proud to continue its annual tradition of recognizing extraordinary leaders in our region and state by adding Egbert to its prestigious list of Four Pillar Award honorees. Sponsorship information is now available at www.FourPillarTribute.com.