*Los Angeles, CA – Plans are underway for Los Angeles’ premiere community awards gala, the 43rd Annual Whitney M. Young, Jr. Awards Dinner (WMY). Hosted by the Los Angeles Urban League (LAUL), the event celebrates outstanding philanthropists, community leaders and executives. Themed “Change: It Begins with Us,” the fundraiser will unite changemakers on April 29, 2016 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in an effort to provide fundamental resources to support quality workforce economic and community development programs through LAUL’s Centers of Excellence.
The League’s 2016 honorees are dedicated to empowering communities and changing lives and both emulate the spirit and values of civil rights leader Whitney M. Young Jr. Deborah Flint, CEO of the Los Angeles World Airports will be recognized as the the 2016 Whitney M. Young, Jr. honoree, and award winning actor, author and philanthropist Hill Harper as the League’s 2016 Dr. Winston Doby Community Coalition honoree.
This year for the first time ever, the Whitney M. Young, Jr. honorees will be celebrated alongside the Los Angeles Urban League Young Professionals (LAULYP) To The Nines honorees. LAULYP serves as the official young professionals auxiliary for the LAUL with membership comprised of Young Professionals (YPs) in the age range of 21-45.
“We are excited to celebrate the honorees for the 43rd Annual Whitney M. Young, Jr. Awards Dinner alongside the To The Nines honorees. Change never comes quickly, change never comes without challenge, but change must always be an inclusive process so that we are all a part of the solution. So Change must begin with US,” says Nolan Rollins, Los Angeles Urban League President.
This year, To The Nines (TTN) celebrates 9 dynamic professionals in the non-profit, entertainment, political, and entrepreneurial sectors: Erika McCall, Assistant Director, Manifest Your Destiny Foundation; Lil Rel, Comedian, Actor, The Carmichael Show; Kenya Parham, Political Strategist & Fundraising Specialist; Jawane Hilton, Community Relations Director & Thought Leader; James Ward III, Publicist at Terry Hines & Associates; Kristina Pink, NFL on Fox Sideline Reporter, LA Clippers Courtside Reporter; Andre Johnson, Director, The Virtual Reality Company; John Bowdre, Motivational Speaker, China Trade Consultant, & Corporate Trainer and Rev. Damali Najuma Smith-Pollard, Pastor, Word of Encouragement Community Church & USC Program Manager.
Michael Ferrera, President of the Los Angeles Urban League Young Professionals speaks on the synergy, “The Los Angeles Urban League Young Professionals fully support the vision of the League. We share in the mission to empower communities and change lives. I’m appreciative of the leadership From the League that cultivates and prepares our membership for greatness personally and professionally. Together we are changing the climate of our community.”
Sponsored by Edison International, Time Warner Cable, UPS, Enterprise, Toyota Motor Sales, Wells Fargo Bank, AT&T, Fed Ex, JP Morgan Chase, Macy’s and Verizon, the evening will be filled with fine dining, dancing and entertainment. The evening will start with music provided by the acclaimed Latin R&B band DW3 and close with Maria Z and The Rumors alongside Grammy award winning violinist Jordan Ware at the afterparty.
ITINERARY
Friday, April 29, 2016
Red carpet – 5:30pm; Reception – 6:00pm; Dinner – 7:00pm; Awards – 8:00 pm LAULYP To The Nines Afterparty 7:00 pm – 12:30 am
The Beverly Hilton Hotel
9876 Wilshire Blvd. Beverly Hills, CA 90210 310.274.7777 Direct
About the Los Angeles Urban League
Founded in 1921, the Los Angeles Urban League is recognizing 95 years of service to Los Angeles communities. The League is the city’s premiere community organization in advancing equal opportunities on behalf of African Americans and other minority youths and adults through innovative job training, job placement, youth achievement and business development programs.
Nolan V. Rollins serves as President & CEO of the Los Angeles Urban League, one of the largest and most successful affiliates of the National Urban League. For additional information visit www.laul.org. To stay in the loop follow the movement on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @laurbanleague.
About the Los Angeles Urban League Young Professionals
The Los Angeles Urban League Young Professionals uplifts the community through outreach programs and social justice initiatives and professional development. One of the 56 chapters of the National Urban League Young Professional movement, LAULYP is comprised of Young Professionals (YPs) in the age range of 21-45, members develops programs and initiatives that support the National Urban League’s agenda of Education and Youth Development, Economic Empowerment, Health and Quality of Life Empowerment, Civic Engagement and Leadership Training. . For additional information visit www.laul.org. To stay in the loop follow the movement on Facebook LAULP Board, Instagram and Twitter @laulyps.
source:
LAUL Media Relations
Jessica L.A. Pipkins
[email protected]
Sandra Lewis-Cooper
[email protected]