The Chicago Urban League raised a record-breaking $2.65 million Saturday night at its Golden Fellowship Dinner to commemorate the organization’s 100 years of service to the community.
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.
(left) Chicago Urban League Board Chairman Maria C Green, President and CEO Shari Runner and Bill C. Berry awardee Chicago businessman and civil rights activist Spencer Leak, Sr.
“The League has never shied away from leading difficult conversations or defending the rights our ancestors fought and died for, and we never will, no matter how insurmountable the odds may seem,” said Runner. “We’ve arrived at the apex, facing our racial moment of truth – are we going to continue providing an alibi to the historical and current role of racism, or are we going to finally tear it up from its roots?”
A newly created individual service award was presented to and named for long-time Chicago Urban League board member, volunteer, and civic and business leader Lester H. McKeever, and longtime Chicago businessman and civil rights activist Spencer Leak, Sr. of Leak and Sons Funeral Homes was honored with the Bill C. Berry Award.
The legendary Diana Ross performing her many hits to a packed house during the Chicago Urban League’s Golden Fellowship Dinner
“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.
For more information about the Chicago Urban League centennial, visit CUL100.org. For general information, go to www.TheChicagoUrbanLeague.org.
