For Immediate Release
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Alonzo Brown
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Amanda Battles
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Brandy to Headline Chicago Urban League’s
54th Annual Golden Fellowship Dinner
Pulitzer Prize Winner and Warmth of Other Suns Author Isabel Wilkerson and
Chicago historian, philanthropist and philosopher Timuel Black to receive
Edwin C. “Bill” Berry Civil Rights Award
CHICAGO (October 1, 2015)— On Saturday, November 7, 2015, the Chicago Urban League will host its
54th Annual Golden Fellowship Dinner at the Hilton Chicago located at 720 S. Michigan Avenue,
Chicago. The dinner supports the League’s education, economic empowerment, and social justice
programs. For nearly 100 years, the organization has been on the front lines advocating for equal
representation for African American Chicagoans.
This year’s gala, themed Inspiration for the Next Generation, will be headlined by multi-talented R&B
Grammy® Award-winning entertainer, songwriter and actress Brandy and is chaired by one of Chicago’s
outstanding corporate leaders: Melvin D. Williams, president, Nicor Gas and senior vice president, AGL
Resources.
“The Golden Fellowship Dinner helps us fulfill our mission to strengthen individuals, families,
neighborhoods and the city of Chicago,” said Shari Runner, interim president and CEO of the Chicago
Urban League. “We work each day to remove barriers that hinder self-sustainability and growth. We are
committed to providing opportunities and resources so African American Chicagoans are future-ready.”
A sell-out crowd of more than 1,600 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.
Brandy is one of America’s most popular and recognized R&B entertainers that has continued to expand
her career to include television, movies, and most recently, the Broadway stage in Chicago. Having sold
more than 40 million albums worldwide, Brandy is ranked as one of the best-selling female artists in
American music history by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). In addition to her
Grammy® Award, she has earned numerous other awards including an MTV, BMI, Billboard, AMA, Soul
Train Music, and NAACP Image Awards.
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Page 2 of 2-Brandy to Headline Chicago Urban League’s 54 Annual Golden Fellowship Dinner
Timuel Black, noted Chicago historian, activist, philanthropist and philosopher and Pulitzer Prize Winner
and critically acclaimed Warmth of Other Suns author Isabel Wilkerson will accept the Edwin C. “Bill”
Berry Civil Rights Award at the 54th Annual Golden Fellowship Dinner.
Named for Bill Berry, who led the Chicago Urban League from 1956-1969 and was a key leader in the
Civil Rights Movement, the award is given annually to leaders who make a mark locally and nationally
through hard work, perseverance and creativity.
Previous Edwin C. “Bill” Berry Award winners include legendary opera diva Jessye Norman, civil rights
activists Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., Rev. Willie T. Barrow, Hank R. Schwab, and Rev. Addie L. Wyatt;
legendary actors Louis Gossett, Jr., Phylicia Rashad and Cicely Tyson; Johnson Publishing Company
Chairman Linda Johnson Rice; and James W. Compton, president of the Chicago Urban League from
1972-2006.
The 54th 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, and The Tom Joyner Morning Show. Lead sponsors for the 54th Annual Golden Fellowship Dinner
include Nicor Gas, BMO Harris Bank, Boeing, GCM GROSVENOR, ITW, Loop Capital, McDonald’s, and
Wintrust.
For more information about the Chicago Urban League’s 54th Annual Golden Fellowship Dinner, call Erika
Soria at 773-624-8815 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.
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