59th Annual
Frederick Douglass Awards
The New York Urban League,
Board of Directors and the Gala Co-Chairs cordially held the 59th Annual Frederick Douglass Gala on June 5th, 2025.
A signature event for over half a century, the New York Urban League Frederick Douglass Awards Dinner pays homage to the event’s namesake while celebrating modern-day heroes who embody that same commitment to equality for all. This year's Gala, held as part of the commemoration at the Frederick Douglass Dinner, symbolizes our commitment to progress, empowerment, and community engagement.
Founded in 1966, the first Frederick Douglass Awards Dinner was organized by board member Ann Sunstein Kheel to commemorate the work of both the New York Urban League and those whose work harkened to Frederick Douglass’ legacy.
The New York Urban League Frederick Douglass Dinner raises 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 and continues to help individuals and families access employment, education, and opportunities. 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.
2025 Frederick Douglass Award
For over half a century, the New York Urban League has presented the Frederick Douglass Medallion, which was named in honor of the former slave turned preeminent abolitionist and orator, to individuals and organizations who reflect the mission of the New York Urban League and embody the spirit of Frederick Douglass through their commitment to advancing the rights of generations of underserved African Americans and their work elevating communities.
The inaugural Frederick Douglass Dinner honored A. Phillip Randolph, the leader of the March on Washington and founder of first African-American union in the U.S.; The Honorable Robert F. Wagner Jr., three term NYC Mayor who barred housing discrimination based on race, creed, or color; and Robert Sarnoff, President of NBC who led the television industry as the first network to hire a black show host, Nat "King" Cole and a black lead actor in the hour series, “I Spy.” Since that time, the dinner has continued to honor individuals and companies who use their platforms in business, the arts, entertainment, and sports to champion racial equality and social justice for all.
The New York Urban League awarded the 2025 Frederick Douglass Medallion to the following honorees on Thursday, June 5th, during the 59th Annual Frederick Douglass Awards Dinner.
2025 Ann S. Kheel Award
In 1966, the first Frederick Douglass Awards Dinner was organized by board member Ann Sunstein Kheel to commemorate the work of both the New York Urban League and those like-minded individuals whose work embodied Frederick Douglass’ legacy. Ann S. Kheel demonstrated an unwavering commitment and devotion to the New York Urban League’s mission of equal opportunity in health, education, employment, and housing, making a major contribution to the City of New York as well as to the Urban League.
As the Executive Chairman of these dinners for 25 years, Ann S. Kheel was a pillar of support for the New York Urban League and the success of these dinners. By conceiving and organizing this annual dinner in Frederick Douglass's name, she advanced his hope and that of countless others that anyone—however disadvantaged—may aspire and achieve despite the imperfections of our democracy.
The Ann S. Kheel Award is named in honor of her outstanding contributions to the New York Urban League and her support for equality and dignity for all New Yorkers.
The New York Urban League awarded the 2025 Ann S. Kheel Award to the following honoree:
Co-Chairs
Gregory Belinfanti
Suzanne Shank
Tom Halloran
McCullough Williams III
Nnamdi Orakwue
Sponsorship Committee
LEAD CO-CHAIRS
VICE CO-CHAIRS
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SALUTE TO HONOREES
All The Moments From
2025 Awards Dinner
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.
Liz Neumark
2025 Ann S. Kheel Award Honoree
Tina Byles Williams
2025 Frederick Douglass Award Honoree
Hon. Alvin Bragg
2025 Frederick Douglass Award Honoree
Photo Credits: Getty Images and Margot Jordan
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.