Editor’s Note
This article highlights a charity auction honoring Whitney Houston’s career, with proceeds funding arts scholarships at HBCUs.
Whitney Houston will be honored worldwide with a charity auction celebrating the 40th anniversary of the start of her historic career.
The event, organized by Julien’s Auctions in conjunction with the Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation, aims to raise funds for scholarships for arts students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
The auction will take place on August 11 in Los Angeles, with both in-person and virtual participation available. According to Billboard, the complete collection can be viewed on the Julien’s Auctions website, and anyone interested can participate without geographical restrictions.
The event invites global fans and collectors to compete for unique pieces while supporting arts education.
Among the most notable items are a form-fitting Marc Bouwer outfit worn on the “I’m Your Baby Tonight” tour (1991), a customized 1994 FIFA World Cup t-shirt, and a fur coat by Michael McCollom.
Also highlighted are the Bouwer stage ensemble used on the world tour for “The Bodyguard” (1994), two pairs of Dolce & Gabbana shoes from the “My Love Is Your Love” tour (1999), a collector’s slot machine, and several pieces of personal jewelry.
One of the star items is the RIAA multi-platinum award for the album “The Bodyguard,” the best-selling soundtrack of all time, along with the recognition for “I Will Always Love You” — the song that reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1992.
These objects represent key milestones in Houston’s career and personal life, as well as her style and presence at prominent events.
The selection targets both experienced collectors and admirers seeking to preserve a tangible memento of the artist.
The entire proceeds will be allocated to scholarships and artistic projects at HBCUs, as confirmed by the Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation. The goal is to expand opportunities for young African American talents and keep alive the cultural and creative heritage to which Houston dedicated her career.
Pat Houston, the artist’s sister-in-law and representative of her estate, expressed this.
Giles Moon, Vice President of Julien’s Auctions, added.
The collection will be previewed at the annual “Legacy of Love” gala on August 9 at the St. Regis Hotel in Atlanta, coinciding with what would have been Houston’s 62nd birthday. This preview will allow the public to see the auction items up close and build anticipation.
Whitney Houston, who passed away in 2012 at the age of 48, retains worldwide recognition thanks to her music and her impact on the industry.
The auction will bring together followers from different countries who, in addition to preserving an authentic memento of the artist, will be able to support the training of future talents while having the opportunity to acquire historic pieces and contribute to a charitable cause, making this anniversary a global and inclusive milestone.
