57th Annual Frederick Douglass Awards
RENEW Gala
June 1, 2023
Ziegfeld Ballroom
The New York Urban League,
Board of Directors and the Gala Co-Chairs cordially held the 57th Annual Frederick Douglass Renew Gala on June 1st, 2023.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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
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)