GFD62 Digital Program Book

62ND ANNUAL GOLDEN FELLOWSHIP DINNER Saturday, November 4, 2023 Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk

62ND ANNUAL GOLDEN FELLOWSHIP DINNER

November 4, 2023 Chicago Urban League 4510 S. Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL 60653 Greetings, As Governor of the State of Illinois, I am pleased to welcome everyone gathered for the 62nd Annual Golden Fellowship Dinner hosted by the Chicago Urban League. This occasion offers an exciting opportunity for everyone in attendance to join fellow members of your association and generate ideas that implement solutions. I commend the work you have done to help make Illinois a stronger and more enjoyable state.

Illinois is proud to have enjoyed your service to our state. As you reflect on your accomplishments, I urge you to make plans for the future of your association that will build on your past successes. I am grateful for all the ways your organization has supported a strong future for Illinois.

On behalf of the people of Illinois, I offer my best wishes for an enjoyable and memorable occasion.

Sincerely,

Governor JB Pritzker

DINNER PROGRAM OPENING PERFORMANCE Keya Trammell HOSTS Samantha Chatman and Jeanne Sparrow INVOCATION Rev. Curtis A. Whittaker, Sr. Senior Pastor, Progressive Community Church ** DINNER IS SERVED ** VIDEO PRESENTATION GREETINGS FROM CUL BOARD CHAIR Dr. Suzet McKinney WELCOME FROM GALA CHAIR Theodore L. Koenig Chairman & CEO, Monroe Capital LLC PRESIDENT & CEO REMARKS Karen Freeman-Wilson VIDEO PRESENTATION LIVE PADDLE RAISE CHALLENGE PRESENTATION OF HUMANITARIAN AWARD Honoree: Dr. Aleta Clark PRESENTATION OF LESTER H. MCKEEVER, JR. INDIVIDUAL SERVICE AWARD Honorees: Don and Liz Thompson PRESENTATION OF EDWIN C. "BILL" BERRY CIVIL RIGHTS AWARD Honoree: Marc Morial INTRODUCTION OF ENTERTAINMENT Joe Soto MUSICAL PERFORMANCE The Isley Brothers AFTER PARTY Immediately Following Performance in Riverwalk B

62ND ANNUAL GOLDEN FELLOWSHIP DINNER

62ND ANNUAL GOLDEN FELLOWSHIP DINNER DINNER CHAIR Theodore L. Koenig Chairman & CEO, Monroe Capital LLC HOST COMMITTEE

Bea Billups James W. Compton Kenneth Escoe Erskine “Chuck” Faush Corliss Garner

Sarah Glavin Connie Lindsey Deborah Love Anthony McCain Michael McDonald

D I N N E R

Suzet McKinney Joe Moore Ashli Nelson David Nichols Shauntee Randle

Jacki Robinson-Ivy Gina Stuart Timothy Turner Garth Walker Wanda White

M E N U

~~Pre-Set First Course~~

~~Entrees~~

Dinner Rolls & Sweet Butter

Seared Chicken Breast Roasted cipollini onions, mushroom red wine demi, sour cream red skin mashed, broccolini, truffled fingerling potatoes & baby carrots (GF)

Field Greens Edamame, goat cheese, Nichols Farms red veined sorrel, watermelon radish, caramelized brussels, spicy apricot vinaigrette ~~Pre-Set Alternating Desserts~~ Tuile Basket with Lemon Curd & Fresh Barries Paired with Chocolate Opera Torte & Vanilla Bean Sauce Apple Gallette with Caramel Rum Drizzle and Cinnamon Whipped Cream

Bacon Lardons on the side Vegan Risotto Cake Seared risotto cake, roasted Romanesco, blistered cherry tomatoes, kale, roasted carrots, red pepper coulis, braised watermelon radish

Freshly Brewed Regular Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee and Tazo Hot Tea ~~Wine Selections~~ Dashwood, Marlborough, Sauvignon Blanc Meiomi Belle Gloss, Central Coast Pinot Noir

2023 HONOREES HUMANITARIAN AWARD DR. ALETA CLARK

In 2015, Aleta laid her mother to rest due to her heroin drug overdose. Although Aleta’s mother did not raise her, Aleta made it a point to stay aware of her mother’s whereabouts. When she was 18, she found her in Englewood, standing outside of the local McDonald’s restaurant on 63rd and Ashland high, nodding off. Aleta was only able to bond with her for seven years before she died. Losing her was extremely difficult for Aleta. She did not have closure and just was not ready to say goodbye.

Two weeks later, a 9-year-old boy was lured into an alley and murdered. Normally, things like that do not catch Aleta’s attention, because unfortunately, kids getting killed in her city happens often. But that little boy stood out to her! Aleta did not understand how much hate someone would have to have in their heart to lure a baby into an alley and shoot them point-blank in the head. At that moment, not only was Aleta confused, but she was heartbroken. As a mother, she cannot imagine losing her very own son because he was at the park innocently playing basketball at the wrong time.

There was no talk about finding possible solutions to this problem that many are experiencing daily. Aleta knew right then and there that she would at least have to try to do something. Aleta did not care that she did not have money, she just knew that there was something she could do to create an impact, a change. Each act of kindness and selflessness made Aleta feel uplifted and happy, feelings she strives to experience.

Hence, Aleta started trying to reach out to everyone in need. Aleta has used money raised to host events where kids can come out, have a great time, and be safe amongst others in a safe community. Aleta has hosted back-to-school events where kids can get hair-cuts, hairstyling uniforms, teeth-cleaning services, loaded book bags, and entertainment. Aleta is a mentor at several schools, she feeds the people living under the viaduct the entire winter, 7 days a week for 210 days out of the year. Aleta held a GED program in a local community church, she has opened several COVID-19 relief centers throughout the city that provide free groceries and free personal protective equipment to the community twice a week, every week.

2023 HONOREES LESTER H. MCKEEVER, JR., INDIVIDUAL SERVICE AWARD DON & LIZ THOMPSON

Don Thompson Don Thompson is the Founder and CEO of Cleveland Avenue, a venture capital firm that invests in lifestyle consumer brands and technology companies that positively disrupt large and growing markets. He is also a former President and CEO of McDonald’s Corporation. Retiring in 2015 after a 25-year career with the Golden Arches, Thompson and his wife, Liz, formed Cleveland Avenue, LLC and The Cleveland Avenue Foundation for Education (The CAFE).

Thompson received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University and an Honorary Doctorate in Science from Excelsior College. Always giving back, in 2021, Thompson received the Dreamer Award from his alma mater, Purdue University, for his service and impact on the lives of millions of Boilermaker across the country throughout his career.

Liz Thompson As CEO of The Cleveland Avenue Foundation for Education Group (The CAFE Group), Liz Thompson is deeply engaged in the social innovation and philanthropic communities. The CAFE Group provides financial and programmatic support to Leaders of Color whose proximity to current and historic challenges in education allows them to influence philanthropic decisions and create meaningful and relevant solutions.

Liz began working with nonprofits in 1993 as founding Executive Director of City Year Chicago, a national service organization that was the template for the AmeriCorps Program. Then in 1995, Liz served as Executive Director of Family Star Montessori School in Denver, where she led a multi-million dollar expansion of their Early Head Start program. In 1998, she became active with nonprofit boards in the San Diego area, which further fueled her interest in philanthropy and education. Before following her passion in the nonprofit sector, Liz had a successful ten-year career with Ameritech Corporation after having received an Electrical Engineering degree from Purdue University.

2023 HONOREES EDWIN C. "BILL" BERRY CIVIL RIGHTS AWARD MARC MORIAL

Marc Morial, one of the few national leaders to possess “street smarts,” and “boardroom savvy,” is the transformative President and CEO of the National Urban League, the nation’s largest historic civil rights and urban advocacy organization. 2023 marks 20 years since he began leading the Urban League movement.

Marc previously served as a highly successful and popular Mayor of New Orleans as well as the President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. He was also a Louisiana State Senator and a lawyer in New Orleans with an active, high-profile practice.

He is a leading voice on the national stage in the battle for jobs, education, housing, health, voting rights, equity, and entrepreneurship.

Marc is a published author; his leadership book, Gumbo Coalition: 10 Leadership Lessons That Help You Inspire, Unite, and Achieve has been widely acclaimed, and his column entitled To Be Equal, reaches hundreds of thousands.

He is the host of the weekly syndicated television show, America’s Black Forum.

A graduate of Georgetown University Law Center, and the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Economics and African American Studies, he has been recognized as one of the 100 most influential Black Americans by Ebony Magazine, one of the top 50 Non-Profit Leaders by the Non-Profit Times, one of the 100 Most Influential Black Lawyers in America and he has also been inducted into the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame in Atlanta, GA. Marc and his father, the late Ernest “Dutch” Morial, are history makers as the first African American father/son mayors in the U.S. and were the subject of a Double Jeopardy question on the legendary Jeopardy television game show in the 1990s.

FEATURED ENTERTAINMENT THE ISLEY BROTHERS RON & ERNIE The Isley Brothers is one the most influential bands in American musical history. Formed in the mid-’50s as a teenage gospel quartet by the eldest four Isley Brothers (O’Kelly, Rudolph, Ronald and Vernon), the original configuration of the group quit performing when Vernon was tragically killed at age 13 when riding his bike.

In 1957, at the urging of their parents, the remaining three brothers moved to New York City to make it as a rock ’n’ roll band, and the first song they wrote together was “Shout!” — a massive smash that had multiple lives thanks to its inclusion on the Animal House soundtrack and is probably playing at an event near you, right now.

From that first single and album in 1959, the Isley Brothers repeatedly redefined what their music was and what it was called, and dominated the black music charts like no band before or since. The Isley Brothers have arguably the most legendary run of albums in R&B history. After early rock ‘n’ roll success, and an incredible detour with Berry Gordy and his Motown Records (two albums, including This Old Heart of Mine), the band released all of their albums independently on their own T-Neck Records, reinventing R&B over and over again in the process.

In 1973, the younger brothers Ernie and Marvin joined the band alongside their brother in law, Chris Jasper. Ernie Isley is one of the most well known and respected guitarists and song writers in the history of music, and together, the brothers wrote and produced many of the hits that you know and love today!

The Isley Brothers were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1992, in a class with their old backing guitarist, Jimi Hendrix. The band received a lifetime achievement Grammy in 2014, and have sold millions of records the world over, 16 of their albums hitting the Top 40 and all of them powerhouses on the R&B charts. They have bridged cultural differences by blending Soul and R&B with Funk brought this new style of music to the mainstream, having a lasting impact on countless artists to follow. Their music has transcended genres and generations and their reach has extended to the modern day where their music is frequently sampled all throughout hip hop and modern pop.

62ND ANNUAL GOLDEN FELLOWSHIP DINNER Join the After Party in Riverwalk A & B beginning at 10 p.m.

JAY ILLA Jay has had the opportunity to DJ for iconic figures and big time celebrities. He's done events for Kanye West, Jay Z, 50 Cent, Lebron James, Derrick Rose, Spike Lee, & Common. He's shared the stage with Chaka Khan, Memphis Bleek, Freeway, Slum Village, The Pharcyde, The Lox, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Kid Capri, DJ Clark Kent, DJ Clue, DJ Scratch, and Jermaine Dupri. He's had the opportunity to DJ for Spotify on several occasions, and is currently the Chicago Bears Field DJ.

After Party Sponsors

Gala Media Partners

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Legacy Sponsor

Leadership Sponsors

Innovation Sponsors

Empowerment Sponsors

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Policy Sponsors

Advocacy Sponsors

Lester H. McKeever, Jr.

JB for ILLINOIS

Champagne Reception Sponsor

Gold Carpet Sponsors

Photo Booth Sponsor

62ND ANNUAL GOLDEN FELLOWSHIP DINNER

CHICAGO URBAN LEAGUE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Officers Board Chair Suzet McKinney

Life Directors Andrew C. Barrett Barbara Bowles Melvin C. Hopson

Vice Chairs Maria C. Green James Reynolds

George E. Johnson Lester H. McKeever, Jr. William A. Osborn

Secretary Esther Franklin

Thomas M. Patrick John W. Rogers, Jr. Sam Scott

Treasurer Andre P. Hughes

Directors Daniel Anello Hope Bentley Jill Billhorn Dwight Blackman John Didrickson Brian W. Duwe Kimberly Evans Bryce Fisher Joseph A. Gregoire Lori Healey Torrence Hinton Mark Ishaug

Frederick H. Waddell

Mark Ishaug Janice Jackson Ajay Joshi Connie Lindsey Todd Lohr Craig C. Martin Anthony R. McCain Eileen Mitchell David Nichols Michael J. Sacks Steven J. Sherman Eric S. Smith

James P. Sledge Tyronne Stoudemire Sheila Talton Bruce Taylor Garth Walker Donald E. Wilbon President and CEO Karen Freeman-Wilson

62ND ANNUAL GOLDEN FELLOWSHIP DINNER

CHICAGO URBAN LEAGUE EXECUTIVE STAFF

Karen Freeman-Wilson

Calmetta Coleman

Jessica Harris

Lionel Kimble

Stephanie Robinson

Curtis Whittaker, Sr.

President & CEO

Chief Operating Officer

Executive Director, Research & Policy Center

Chief Development Officer

Chief Strategy Officer

Chief Financial Officer

VICE PRESIDENTS

Kelly Evans Vice President, Entrepreneurship & Economic Development

Pamela Stalling

Mavis Laing Vice President & Executive Director, IMPACT Leadership Development Program

Angela Hamilton

Vice President, Youth & Family Services

Vice President, Housing & Financial Empowerment Center

SENIOR STAFF

Lela Olds Director of External Affairs

Abraxas Thomas Director of Development

Andrew Wells

Vice President, Workforce Development Center

The Golden Fellowship Dinner includes a live paddle raise. Donations are tax deductible and support our work to achieve equity for Black families and communities through social and economic empowerment.

The Chicago Urban League

@ChiUrbanLeague Founded in 1916, the Chicago Urban League is one of the oldest and largest affiliates of the National Urban League. To get the latest information on our direct service programs and advocacy work, visit us online at www.chiul.org and follow us on social media.

@ChiUrbanLeague