Chicago Urban League Stands on Business Raising $4 Million at 63rd Annual Golden Fellowship Dinner
Nonprofit executive and community change agent, Dr. Carol Adams and Chicago State University President Zaldwaynaka “Z” Scott honored; Grammy Award Winner Fantasia Caps Celebration with Exhilarating Performance
More than 2,300 people gathered at the Skyline Ballroom at McCormick Place on Saturday, November 9, for the Chicago Urban League’s 63rd annual Golden Fellowship Dinner (GFD). The record number of attendees included federal, state, county and local elected officials, alongside some of the city’s top corporate leaders, human rights advocates, philanthropists, and clergy.
This year’s gala theme, “Standing on Business in the Fight for Equity,” helped drive efforts by Chicago Urban League board members, sponsors, and a host of dedicated volunteers to raise more than $4 million in support of the organization’s programs and services. The event’s top sponsor was NBA star and Chicago native Anthony Davis. This year’s gala chair was Toi Salter, President of Salter Financial Management, who is credited with bringing in multiple new supporters for the event.
“To all of our partners and sponsors, thank you for providing the fuel for the work we do,” CUL President and CEO Karen Freeman-Wilson told the crowd. “The presence of each and every one of you, as supporters of justice and equity, makes us even more determined to stand on business in the fight for equity.”
Funds raised through the gala are vital in supporting the daily work of the League with more than 15,000 Chicago residents serviced each year. The organization helps people find jobs and establish careers, become homeowners, enhance their educational experiences, strengthen their leadership skills, and grow their businesses. Succeeding and doing this work each year is the League’s commitment to the community.
In addressing attendees about why she agreed to chair this year’s gala, Salter said, “We are each stakeholders in this community, and as such, the onus is upon us to make sure that organizations such as the Chicago Urban League—a 100-year-old institution—not only thrives but survives.”
Grammy Award winner and Golden Globe-nominated actress and singer Fantasia took the stage as the evening’s performer with an energetic set that had gala goers dancing in the aisles.
Longtime nonprofit executive and community leader Dr. Carol L. Adams and Chicago State University President Zaldwaynaka “Z” Scott were also recognized for their vast accomplishments and impact in Chicago and beyond. Each received an original painting by Chicago artist Jeff Beckham that bore their likeness.
During the gala, Adams was honored with the Edwin C. “Bill” Berry Award, named for the civil rights trailblazer who led the Chicago Urban League from 1956-1969. This award recognizes an individual who has left a mark on the nation through hard work, perseverance and creativity. Immediate past winners have included National Urban League President and CEO Marc Morial; Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones; Attorney Benjamin Crump.
Equally deserving for her dedication to community efforts is Chicago State University’s President Zaldwaynaka “Z” Scott. She received the Lester H. McKeever, Jr., Individual Service Award – named for long-time CPA, accounting firm principal and Chicago Urban League Life Director Lester H. McKeever, Jr.
Amid the celebration, Freeman-Wilson also acknowledged the “enormous divide, hate, racism, and sexism” in our country and emphasized that the current political climate makes the organization’s work more important than ever. She told the gala audience, “I invite you to join the Chicago Urban League and others by using whatever tools you have to pursue justice, equity, freedom and a country that works for all.”
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