The Memphis Urban League’s 75th Empowerment Gala on Sept. 20 will include Greater Memphis Chamber President/CEO Beverly Robertson receiving the I Am Empowered Award.
The event will be held at the Hilton Hotel, 939 Ridge Lake Blvd.
The award is given to “one who has made a mark of empowerment and a tremendous impact to expand economic opportunities, secure equality, power and civil rights for all.”
The New Tri-State Defender will receive the Community of Champions Award, which honors “individuals, organizations and corporations whose mission aligns with that of the Memphis Urban League and those that lead and advance efforts to serve residents who live in Memphis and Shelby County.” Calvin Anderson, president of the newspaper’s parent company, Best Media Properties, and Karanja A. Ajanaku, associate publisher and executive editor, will be recognized.
For the Memphis Urban League, “HOPE” is an acronym for Having Opportunities to Pursue Empowerment. The gala event will honor eight HOPE Diamonds – “those who exemplify attributes that empower and advance” Memphis and its residents.
The HOPE honorees are:
Louis “Bo” Allen, First Tennessee Bank; Rhonnie Brewer, Socially Twisted; Ruby Bright, Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis; Mauricio Calvo, Latino Memphis; Dr. Reginald Coopwood, Regional One Health; Beverly “Bev” Johnson, WDIA, Bishop Ed Stephens Jr., Golden Gate Cathedral Church, David Williams, Leadership Memphis.
A special posthumous tribute will be paid to the late Rev. Ralph White, a renowned civic activist and the long-time pastor of Bloomfield Full Gospel Baptist Church.
The PC Band will provide live entertainment and the evening will feature “delectable foods and acknowledgement of Memphis Urban League contributors.
The Memphis Urban League’s mission is to “assist African Americans, the underserved and economically disadvantage to expand economic opportunities and secure equality, power and civil rights.”
Sponsorships and gala tickets may be purchased online at www.mulempowerment75.eventbrite.com. Event proceeds will go to support the group’s programs and initiatives.
