Chicago Urban League’s 64th Annual Golden Fellowship Dinner Celebrates Chicago Icons
Photo Caption: Honoree George E. Johnson was honored with the 2025 Edwin C. “Bill” Berry Award. CUL Board Chair Suzet McKinney presented him with the award, an original commissioned portrait by Chicago artist Raymond Thomas.
Distinguished Leaders George E. Johnson, Julieanna L. Richardson, and Toi Salter Honored at Gala
The Chicago Urban League’s 64th Annual Golden Fellowship Dinner (GFD) brought together more than 2,500 civic, business, and community leaders in the Skyline Ballroom at McCormick Place on Saturday, November 8, 2025, to support the Chicago Urban League’s work in advancing economic empowerment, cultivating leadership, and promoting equity across the city. Photos can be found here.
The gala featured a soulful performance by Grammy Award-winning artist Ledisi and honored distinguished leaders — George E. Johnson, founder of the Johnson Products Company; Julieanna L. Richardson, founder and president of The HistoryMakers; and Toi Salter, president of Salter Financial Management — for their lasting contributions to culture, business, and civil rights.
“Each year, this event demonstrates the strength of our community and the power of shared purpose,” said Karen Freeman-Wilson, President and CEO of the Chicago Urban League. “We are deeply grateful to our supporters and sponsors for their generosity, and to our honorees for inspiring us through their leadership and impact. This year’s Golden Fellowship Dinner reflected the power of legacy and the promise of the future. We remain committed to fostering economic empowerment, expanding access to opportunity, and strengthening communities across Chicago.”
The evening’s theme, “Shoulders We Stand On, Futures We Create,” recognized generations of trailblazers whose work paved the way for progress and equity. Each honoree received an original commissioned portrait by a Chicago-based artist.
Charles Smith, Founder and CEO of CS Insurance Strategies, served as gala chair, with Toi Salter, President of Salter Financial Management, serving as honorary chair. Comedian Damon Williams and ABC 7 Chicago’s Val Warner co-hosted the evening’s program.
“The Golden Fellowship Dinner is not just a celebration —- it’s an investment in Chicago’s future,” said Charles Smith, 2025 GFD Gala Chair and CEO of CS Insurance Strategies. “Serving as gala chair this year was both an honor and a reminder that the League’s impact depends on each new generation stepping up to lead, serve, and invest in the work of equity and opportunity.”
This year’s Edwin C. “Bill” Berry Civil Rights Award was presented to George E. Johnson, whose entrepreneurial vision and innovation helped redefine Black enterprise in America through the success of Johnson Products Company, the first Black-owned business to be listed on the American Stock Exchange.
Julieanna L. Richardson received the League’s Humanitarian Award for her pioneering work preserving and celebrating African American history through The HistoryMakers, the nation’s largest African American video oral history archive.
Honorary Gala Chair Toi Salter received the Lester H. McKeever, Jr., Individual Service Award in recognition of her tireless work to support causes that impact her community. The award is named for long-time CPA, accounting firm principal, and Chicago Urban League Life Director Lester H. McKeever, Jr.
Each honoree was presented with an original commissioned portrait by a Chicago artist. The three featured artists were Raymond Thomas, Kudzai Mutasa, and Raven Smith.
This year’s top GFD sponsors include CS Insurance, ITW, iHeart Media Chicago, Abbott, Allstate, BMO, GCM Grosvenor, and McDonald’s Corp.
Proceeds from GFD directly support the Chicago Urban League’s programs and initiatives that help more than 30,000 Chicagoans annually through workforce development, youth education, entrepreneurship, housing, and leadership programs.
