CHICAGO, Nov. 21, 2016 – On Saturday, Nov. 19, nearly 1,700 supporters of the Chicago Urban League gathered at the Chicago Urban League’s Golden Fellowship Dinner – Centennial Edition to commemorate the organization’s 100 years of service to the community. Hosted by comedian Damon Williams, the $600 per person lavish sold-out event raised a record-setting $2.65M and culminated with a phenomenal performance by the legendary Diana Ross.
Chicago Urban League president and CEO Shari Runner challenged the crowd of business leaders, human rights advocates, philanthropists and elected officials to have serious conversations about racism in order to change its false narrative about African Americans and create a more equitable Chicago.
“As I look around at this gathering of friends, Board members, colleagues, partners and passionate advocates for a stronger African American community and a better Chicago, there can be no clearer certainty that change comes because people make it happen,” said Runner.
The star-studded evening was filled with other unforgettable moments, including the presentation of the Bill C. Berry Award to longtime Chicago businessman and civil rights activist Spencer Leak Sr. of Leak and Sons Funeral Homes. Past League presidents James Compton, Cheryle Jackson and newly appointed Deputy Mayor Andrea Zopp were recognized for their roles in moving the League’s mission forward.
This year’s dinner co-chairs were Anne R. Pramaggiore, president and chief executive officer, ComEd; and Frederick H. Waddell, chairman and chief executive officer, Northern Trust Company. Serving as dinner host committee chair was Joe Moore of Shell Oil (retired). Lead dinner sponsors included ComEd, Northern Trust, Boeing, Kirkland and Ellis LLP, Abbott Laboratories, BMO Harris Bank, Comcast, GCM Grosvenor, Hilton Chicago, ITW, Loop Capital, McDonald’s, NBC 5, Nicor Gas, Peoples Gas, PNC Bank, PwC, Skadden, Tyson Foods, United and Wintrust.
For more information about the Chicago Urban League centennial, visit CUL100.org. For general information, go to www.TheChicagoUrbanLeague.org.
