The 40th Whitney M. Young Jr. Awards Dinner will celebrate a “Spirit of Service,” according to Los Angeles Urban League President-CEO Nolan V. Rollins. The event is set for April 26, 2013, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
Gen. Colin Powell will be the keynote speaker, Linda Rice Johnson, chair of Johnson Publications Co., LLC, will be presented the Whitney M. Young Jr. Award–the League’s highest honor–and the Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) will receive the Dr. Winston C. Doby Community Coalition Award. Actor Boris Kodjoe and ABC7 Eyewitness News anchor Leslie Sykes will emcee the gala event, which will include participation by Myrlie Evers-Williams and National Urban League president-CEO Marc Morial. Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds will provide entertainment.
“In this century of rapid change, the Los Angeles Urban League is a community servant-leader and a catalyst for economic development, educational attainment and public policy,” said Rollins. “We are proud and excited to celebrate individuals and entities manifesting exemplary leadership with tremendous impact on local needs and national trends affecting our communities. Gen. Powell, Linda Johnson Rice and AEG have made fundamental commitments to service, embodying the essential spirit of Whitney M. Young Jr. With thanks and praise, we will raise our glasses to them on April 26.”
To commemorate the League’s 93 years of community service and 21st-century innovations, League Facebook fans will have the opportunity to receive free VIP tickets to the dinner from a random drawing during April “FANdemonium.” Two fans will “meet and greet” Gen. Powell and network with the League’s distinguished honorees and guests. The goal is to achieve 1,500-plus fans by April 15. The names of all League fans on that date will be eligible for two tickets to the dinner and placed in the drawing. More information about “FANdemonium,” can be found at facebook.com/laurbanleague and laul.org.
For information about dinner tickets and sponsorships, call (323) 292-1495. The April 26 dinner will begin at 5:30 p.m., preceded by a red carpet welcome and VIP reception.
