AUDREY’S SOCIETY WHIRL: National Urban League celebrates 53rd Equal Opportunity Day dinner

Retired General Colin L. Powell receives National Urban League Humanitarian Award; John & Amonica Davis receive Entrepreneurship Award; Walmart receives Corporate Leadership Award

      *General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.), a soldier, statesman and diplomat revered for his extraordinary efforts, dedicated leadership and humanitarian vision throughout the world, was on hand to receive the award from Marc H. Morial, chairman and president, National Urban League (NUL), at the 53rd annual Equal Opportunity Day (EOD) awards dinner on Thursday, November 5, 2009 at the New York Marriott Marquis Hotel.

      General Powell served as the 65th Secretary of State from 2001-2005.  As he stated at his confirmation hearing, the guiding principle of U.S. foreign policy during his tenure was that ‘America stands ready to help any country that wishes to join the democratic world.”

      The National Urban League’s Annual Equal Opportunity Day Awards Dinner rewards individuals and corporations that demonstrate a commitment to equal opportunity and exhibit leadership for the cause of equal rights.

      John & Amonica Davis, co-owners of the ServiceMaster by Davis franchise, a commercial and janitorial cleaning company with offices in Cleveland and Beachwood, Ohio were presented with the entrepreneurship award for their extraordinary achievements as ServiceMaster franchisees and their dedication to economic empowerment.  Another hot husband and wife entrepreneurial team, Barbara Smith and Dan Gasby, co-owners of B. Smith Restaurants (NYC, DC and Sag Harbor, NY), presented the dynamic duo with the distinguished award.

      NUL chairman John D. Hofmeister presented president and CEO of Walmart, Michael Duke, with the corporate leadership award for Walmart’s generous support of the NUL workforce development programs. 

      “The individuals and organizations honored at the Equal Opportunity Day Awards Dinner set the example for all of us in their commitment to the greater community,” said Morial.  “This year’s recipients display exceptional leadership encouraging empowerment in all aspects of society.” 

      This year the EOD was chaired by John G. Stumpf, president and CEO, Wells Fargo & Company.  The NUL is partnering with Wells Fargo to expand foreclosure prevention programs, stabilize neighborhoods and increase financial literacy to ultimately empower communities.  Maurice DuBois, co-anchor at CBS 2 News This Morning served as MC for the evening and Grammy award winner Quincy Jones was in attendance.

      Other highlights of the magnificent evening included the induction of NUL’s 2009 “Million and Five Million Dollar Hall of Fame” class recognizing organizations that contributed $1 million or more to advance the work of the League.

      This year’s $1 Million Hall of Fame awards were presented to the Annie E. Casey Foundation and the Sprint Nextel Corporation.  In addition, $5 Million Hall of Fame awards were presented to ExxonMobil Corporation and Freddie Mac.

      The NUL wishes to acknowledge the generous support of their donors including Wells Fargo (platinum sponsor) Anheuser-Busch, Inc. (presenting sponsor); AT&T Shell Oil Company and UPS (leadership circle) along with a host of many other Fortune 500 partners, champions and supporters too many to mention due to space limitations.  But you know who you are and the League salutes you too!

      Established in 1910, the National Urban League is the nation's oldest and largest community-based movement devoted to empowering African Americans to enter the economic and social mainstream. Today, the NUL, headquartered in New York City, spearheads the non-partisan efforts of its local affiliates. There are over 100 local affiliates of the NUL located in 35 states and the District of Columbia providing direct services to more than two million people nationwide through programs, advocacy and research.  (Photos by Stuart Ramson)

Ben Soraci, Marc H. Morial, Retired General Colin L. Powell

Cast of The Wire with Marc H. Morial & John W. Mack

Dwight Robinson, Ralph Reid, Dana Vickers Shelley, Marc H. Morial, Retired General Colin L. Powell, Michelle Morial, John G. Stumpf

Retired General Colin L. Powell, Marc H. Morial, John G. Stumpf

Dan Gasby & Barbara Smith with Amonica Davis & John Davis
 

Audrey J. Bernard is an established chronicler of Black society and Urban happenings based in the New York City area.