Columbia Urban League Prepares for 57th Annual Fund Campaign and Equal Opportunity Day Dinner

Columbia Gears Up for a Night of Inspiration and Recognition

Columbia is buzzing with excitement as the Columbia Urban League prepares for its 57th annual Fund Campaign and Equal Opportunity Day Dinner. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, November 6, because this event is set to spark conversations about civility and inclusion in our community and workplaces.

A Night to Honor and Inspire

The spotlight of the evening will be on the former governor of South Carolina, David Beasley, who is stepping in as the keynote speaker. Beasley, who served from 1995 to 1999, is best known for his significant stand against divisiveness when he advocated for the removal of the Confederate flag from the State House dome. This courageous move didn’t go unnoticed; it even earned him a prestigious John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award.

Today, Beasley continues to play an essential role in global humanitarian efforts as a former executive director of the United Nations World Food Programme. Under his leadership, the organization received a remarkable Nobel Peace Prize, shining a light on its impactful work in tackling hunger worldwide.

This Year’s Theme: “Civility and Inclusion”

The theme for this year’s dinner is “Civility and Inclusion: In the Community and Workplace,” a critical topic in today’s society, as noted by James T. McLawhorn Jr., the president and CEO of the Columbia Urban League. He expressed concern about the growing divisiveness affecting our communities, stating that if left unchecked, it could seriously degrade our quality of life and jeopardize our future.

Event Details You Don’t Want to Miss

The festivities will kick off at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center with a reception starting at 6 p.m. Guests can expect an evening filled with thought-provoking discussions, delicious food, and, most importantly, a chance to show appreciation for several remarkable community leaders.

Recognizing Local Legends

As part of the dinner, attendees will also witness the recognition of outstanding individuals committed to making a difference in Columbia. Here’s a quick rundown of the awards that will be presented:

• Virgil C. Summers Corporate Citizen Award presented by Dominion Energy
• President’s Award to Karen Jenkins of KRJ Consulting
• Whitney M. Young Jr. Award to I.S. Leevy Johnson, a respected attorney
• Stephen G. Morrison/Nelson Mullins Social Justice Award to Lila Anna Sauls of Homeless No More
• Ethel M. Bolden Community Service Award to Sara Fawcett, President and CEO of United Way of the Midlands
• Anthony and Alice Hurley Award to Willis Langley III of Langley 3/McDonald’s

These awards not only celebrate individual accomplishments but also underscore the importance of community engagement and social responsibility. It’s a night dedicated to shining a spotlight on those who uplift Columbia, making it a better place for everyone.

Stay Connected for More Updates

For those eager to delve deeper into the evening or wanting to learn more about the annual Fund Campaign and Equal Opportunity Day Dinner, visit the Columbia Urban League’s website or engage through their social media channels. If you need assistance or more information, feel free to reach out to Juanita Dean-Bates or Cynthia Baxter at (803) 799-8150.

Join the Movement for Change

This event isn’t just another dinner; it’s an opportunity to foster connections and encourage dialogue about pressing issues in our communities. So, grab your friends and family and join in on what promises to be a memorable evening dedicated to celebrating our shared values of civility and inclusion. Let’s come together, Columbia!