LIFESTYLE
GWUL Gala Showcases Civic Leadership By Dorothy Rowley WI Staff Writer Hundreds of guests who attended the Greater Washington Urban League’s (GWUL) 42nd annual Whitney M. Young Jr. Memorial Gala took the liberty of mixing the ordinary with the extraordinary. Men and women alike, donned glittering black formal wear and all sorts of name brand, colorful sneakers, the crowd which read like a “Who’s Who” in District circles, networked or caught up on old times as they celebrated the League’s mission surrounding the economic and political empowerment of African Americans and other minorities. “I think that as long as people need jobs, as long as people need housing, as long as people need education, there will always be an important place in D.C. for the Urban League,” said Mayor Vincent C. Gray, who also took the opportunity to announce that this administration has earmarked $287 million to make housing affordable for first-time home buyers. The theme for this year’s gathering at the Grand Hyatt Washington Hotel in Northwest on March 19, touted “GWUL on the Move (in Black Tie and Sneakers).” The fundraising event, which paid tribute to the League’s “forward-moving” leadership team, included a reception and silent auction. NBC4 news anchor Jim Vance served as master of ceremonies. “To get all dressed up just to dress down in sneakers was a fantastic idea,” said Patrice Allen, who attended with her husband, Charles. “We jumped at the idea, which was for a worthy cause and so much fun.” During the four-hour celebration, former GWUL president Maudine Cooper, who retired in November after more than two decades of service, was praised for her accomplishments. And, for many, the occasion provided a formal introduction of her successor, George Lambert, who assumed the helm in January. “It’s not easy to fill Maudine Cooper’s shoes,” said Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker, as he congratulated Lambert and commended Cooper. In his brief remarks, Baker went on to applaud GWUL’s nearly 80 years of public service to the District, as well
32 March 27, - April 2, 2014
The Washington Informer
George Lambert, who succeeds Maudine Cooper, took over as GWUL president and CEO in January. /Photo by Mark Mahoney
GWUL Board members are acknowledged during the 42nd annual Whitney M. Young Jr. Memorial Gala on March 19. /Photo by Mark Mahoney
as to the Prince George’s and Montgomery County communities. Later, in quoting the late Whitney Young, National Urban League executive and civil rights activist, Baker reminded the crowd that, “it’s better to have an opportunity and be prepared than to have one and not be prepared.” In addition to announcing scholarships to 10 District-area students, Katie Ledecky, Olympic championship swimmer, Catana Sparks, men’s golf coach and Joel Ward, a hockey player, were recognized for their civic contributions. The trio was respectively honored with the Youth Inspiration, Trailblazer and Pioneer
awards. Gregory McCarthy, Washington Nationals’ vice president for external affairs, was among several guests who represented key area businesses and corporations. “We attended the celebration in the role of cheerleader for the GWUL,” said McCarthy. “While it’s obviously important for the Nationals to do well on the field, it’s also our role to give back to the community – and in doing so, to pair-up with strong partners like the Urban League.” McCarthy said one of the first steps this year along that course, takes place on Tuesday, May 27 with a “Night at the Ballpark.”WI
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