The O’Jays to Headline the Chicago Urban League 52nd Annual Golden Fellowship Dinner

CHICAGO (September 16, 2013)—The Chicago Urban League will host its 52^nd Annual Golden Fellowship Dinner on Saturday, November 9, 2013 at the Hilton Chicago at 720 S. Michigan Avenue. This year’s gala, themed The Power of Opportunity: Moving Chicago Forward, is co-chaired by two dynamic corporate leaders:  E. Scott Santi, president and CEO of ITW, and Gregory D. Wasson, president and CEO of Walgreens. Entertainment for the evening will be provided by legendary music group The O’Jays.

A sellout crowd of more than 1,700 of Chicago’s business, civic and elected leaders are expected to attend the Golden Fellowship Dinner. Since its inception in 1951, the charitable dinner has become one of the most anticipated gatherings of diverse leaders who are committed to the success of Chicago’s African American communities and the city of Chicago.

Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., one of nation’s foremost civil rights, religious and political figures, will accept the Edwin C. “Bill” Berry Civil Rights Award at 52^ndAnnual Golden Fellowship Dinner. The award is named for Bill Berry, who led the Chicago Urban League from 1956-1969 and was a key leader in the civil rights movement in Chicago, the award is given annually to leaders who make a mark on the nation, and Chicago, through hard work, perseverance and creativity.

Previous Edwin C. “Bill” Berry award winners include: Rev. Willie T. Barrow, one of the nation’s consummate community organizers and respected civil rights leaders; Phylicia Rashad, best known as mother and attorney Clair Huxtable on the groundbreaking NBC sitcom The Cosby Show; Linda Johnson Rice, Chairman of Johnson Publishing Company; Holocaust survivor and Chicago civil-rights activist Hank R. Schwab; legendary actress Cicely Tyson; equal rights trailblazer Rev. Addie L. Wyatt, and James W. Compton, who led the Chicago Urban League from 1972 to 2006.

The 52^nd Annual Golden Fellowship Dinner will be hosted by Chicago funnyman Damon Williams. Williams’ numerous television appearances include BET’s Comicview, Comedy Central’s Premium Blend, the Tom Joyner Morning Show. Sponsors for the 52^nd Annual Golden Fellowship Dinner include ITW, Loop Capital, Walgreens, Grosvenor Capital Management, L.P., McDonald’s and PNC Bank.

For more information about the Chicago Urban League’s 52^nd Annual Golden Fellowship Dinner call 773-285-5800 or visit www.thechicagourbanleague.org.

About the Chicago Urban League

Established in 1916, the Chicago Urban League works for economic, educational and social progress for African Americans and promotes strong sustainable communities through advocacy, collaboration and innovation. For more information, visit www.thechicagourbanleague.org.