COMEDIAN AND HOST Damon Williams, Sterling Bay Director Dr. Suzet McKinney, CSU President Zaldwaynaka “Z” Scott, CUL President & CEO Karen Freeman-Wilson, and Toi Salter, president of Salter Financial Management. (Photo by Wesby Terrell Christopher)
The Chicago Urban League’s 63rd Annual Golden Fellowship Dinner proved to be a landmark evening, drawing over 2,300 attendees to the Skyline Ballroom at McCormick Place on November 9, 2024, and raising an impressive $4 million to fund the organization’s pivotal programs. With the theme “Standing on Business in the Fight for Equity,” the gala reaffirmed the League’s commitment to uplifting Black families and communities through economic and social empowerment.
The night brought together a diverse array of leaders, from federal, state, and local officials to top corporate executives, human rights advocates, philanthropists, and clergy. Notable guests included Anthony Davis, the Chicago-born NBA star and the event’s Major Leaguer sponsor, and Toi Salter, President of Salter Financial Management, who served as gala chair. Salter, recognized for her successful outreach efforts, helped secure a record-breaking number of new sponsors and supporters, ensuring the evening’s financial success.
Fantasia, Grammy Award-winning singer and Golden Globe-nominated actress, headlined the evening with an electrifying performance, delivering her chart-topping hits to a captivated audience. Her performance embodied the energy and spirit of the evening, setting the tone for a night dedicated to equity and empowerment. “If you’ve ever attended a Fantasia concert, you know you’re in for a night filled with hits, high energy, and dancing,” remarked Chicago Urban League President and CEO Karen Freeman-Wilson. “She truly made it a night we won’t soon forget.”
The evening also honored two outstanding community leaders. Dr. Carol L. Adams, a veteran nonprofit executive and advocate, received the Edwin C. “Bill” Berry Award, commemorating her lifelong contributions to social change and equity. Zaldwaynaka “Z” Scott, President of Chicago State University, was awarded the Lester H. McKeever, Jr., Individual Service Award for her steadfast dedication to education and service within the community. Both honorees exemplified the event’s theme, with Freeman-Wilson highlighting how their service and leadership continue to impact and uplift Chicago’s communities.
Returning sponsors like Illinois Tool Works (ITW), McDonald’s, and iHeartMedia Chicago, along with the support of Anthony Davis, underscored the corporate and community commitment to the Chicago Urban League’s mission. With these funds, the organization will continue its initiatives to support over 15,000 Chicago residents annually through programs that help secure jobs, promote homeownership, provide educational opportunities, foster leadership, and support Black-owned businesses.
