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58th Annual Frederick Douglass Awards

RENEW Gala

June 6, 2024

Ziegfeld Ballroom

Frederick Douglass Gala 2024: Image

Event Details

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Frederick Douglass Gala 2024: Image

The New York Urban League,
Board of Directors and the Gala Co-Chairs cordially held the 58th Annual Frederick Douglass Renew Gala on June 6th, 2024.

The New York Urban League Gala is a signature moment each year to help raise funds to support new and expanded programming and community services to further the League’s mission. The flagship affiliate of the National Urban League, the NYUL is one of New York’s oldest civil rights organizations. Founded in 1919 to provide opportunities for Blacks migrating from the rural south to New York City, NYUL has helped workers and families gain access to jobs, schools, and opportunity. NYUL has opened the ranks of many industries to Black workers and helped thousands of African American students become first generation college students. Through direct service delivery, advocacy, referrals, community capacity building, information dissemination and technical assistance, the League accomplishes its mission to help people face and overcome barriers to full participation in American society.

Frederick Douglass Gala 2024: Text

2023 NYUL RENEW GALA HIGHLIGHTS

The theme of the evening was “RENEW.” Each honoree shared what RENEW means to them including NYUL President and CEO Arva Rice. Rice stated “RENEW means to double-down, to recommit, and re-center on the New York Urban League’s cause and its constituency. Rice urged the over 450 attendees to

“RENEW their commitment to social justice, RENEW their commitment to making a difference, RENEW their resolve to keep contributing when we move forward and even when we have to take a step back.”

Guests were also able to enjoy the stories of individuals whose lives have been touched by the Urban League in a video created by Bronte’ Laurent. 

Frederick Douglass Gala 2024: Text
Frederick Douglass Gala 2024: Video

ALL THE MOMENTS FROM RENEW GALA

During our celebration, we acknowledged esteemed honorees that have a steadfast commitment, dedication, and influence that have led the charge for advancing the rights of generations of underserved African Americans and salute their seminal work elevating communities. Proceeds from the centennial dinner support programs and services that fuel our abilities to Empower Communities and Change Lives, develop new policies, and empower our fellow citizens.

Frederick Douglass Gala 2024: Text
Frederick Douglass Gala 2024: Pro Gallery
Frederick Douglass Gala 2024: Text

2023 Frederick Douglass Award Honorees

The Frederick Douglass and Ann Kheel Awards
are bestowed upon individuals and organizations that reflect the mission of the
League, and their support and activism make all the difference.

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Alison Overseth

Chief Executive Officer

Partnership for After School Education (PASE)

Alfre Woodard

Actor, Producer and Activist

Thomas Halloran

President and CEO,

Fidelis Care
Regional SVP, Centene Corporation


Frederick Douglass Gala 2024: Team Members
Frederick Douglass Gala 2024: Text

NYUL ACTION AREAS TO SUPPORT

The work of the New York Urban League is guided by our vision that every American child is ready for college, work and life; every American has access to jobs with a living wage and good benefits; and every American has an equal right and responsibility to fully participate in our democracy and civic processes, and all people have a right to justice and fairness. To make this vision a reality, we take action in the following areas:

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Education

The African American achievement gap makes the path the college less likely in underserved communities.

Employment

Basic jobs in underserved communities don’t ladder up to prosperous careers.

Advocacy

Communities become underserved when the rights of its citizens aren’t upheld and respected.

Giving is an opportunity to give New York's most underserved, an opportunity to secure a first-class education, economic self-reliance and equal respect for their civil rights. Donate today and make a difference.

Frederick Douglass Gala 2024: What We Do

RENEW COMMITTEE

Lead Supporter

Fidelis Care

Gala Reception 

Diageo | Pronghorn

Lead Chair

Douglass & Wendy Eisenberg | Ken deRegt and Overseth/Bozian/deRegt family

Vice Chair

BET Networks | J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. | Meta | National Grid | NBA | Northwell Health | UPS |

Wells Fargo

Salute to Honorees

Bloomberg | Charter | Richard Scheff | Halloran Family Foundation| Jets Foundation | OMD Worldwide |TASK Foundation

Gold

Citco Fund Services | FINN Partners| Grain Management LLC | Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLC

Salute to Honorees Seat

Edith Cooper & Robert Taylor| Greenberg Traurig LLP| NY Health Plan Association

Frederick Douglass Gala 2024: List

Special Thanks 

Board Members

Ward Corbett, Chairman
Chadwick Roberson, Treasurer
Anwar Ismael, Secretary
Arva R. Rice, President & CEO
Maggie Brunn
Lloyd Chin
Andrea Donkor
Rev. Jacques DeGraff
Malcolm Ellis
Bryant Fields
Maja Hazel
Laura James
Lakimja Mattocks
Marcia Maxwell
Helen C. Shelton
Teresa Wells
Jacqui Williams
Keith Wright

Speakers

Rev. Jacques DeGraff
Myles Miller
Michael Robinson
Rev. Dr. Alfonso Wyatt
Abenaa Udochi
Alexander Smalls
Chuck Nice
Ward Corbett
Marc Morial

Advisory Council

Brice Gordon
Hon. H. Carl McCall
Raymond McGuire
Victoria Rowell

Event Teams

Dwight Johnson
Ziegfeld Ballroom
DJ Traumatics
Margot Jordan (photographer)

Frederick Douglass Gala 2024: List
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