CHICAGO ( November 6, 2014 ) Fresh off her Broadway and Los Angeles runs in the Tony Award-winning play "The Trip to Bountiful," multitalented performer Vanessa Williams will lend her timeless vocals to the Chicago Urban League's 53rd Annual Golden Fellowship Dinner on Saturday, November 15 at the Hilton Chicago at 720 S. Michigan Ave.
This year's gala, themed Opportunity, Community, Impact: A Movement that Matters, is co-chaired byCheryl Pearson-McNeil, senior vice president of U.S. strategic community alliances and consumer engagement for Nielsen, and Stephen E. Thomas, area vice president of field operations for Comcast.
"The Golden Fellowship Dinner helps keep the Chicago Urban League movement strong," said Andrea L. Zopp, president and CEO of the Chicago Urban League. "At our core, we are an opportunity provider that remains connected to the community. Our impact has strengthened individuals, families, neighborhoods and the city of Chicago."
A sellout crowd of more than 1,700 of Chicago's business, civic and elected leaders are expected to attend the Golden Fellowship Dinner. Since its inception in 1951, the charitable event has become one of the most anticipated gatherings of diverse leaders who are committed to the success of Chicago's African American communities.
Vanessa Williams is one of the most respected and multifaceted performers in the entertainment industry today. Having sold over 25 million records worldwide, Williams is one of just a few artists to score #1 and Top 10 hits on Billboard's Album and Singles charts in the combined areas of pop, dance, R&B, adult contemporary, holiday, Latin, gospel and jazz. Her critically acclaimed work in film, television, recordings and the Broadway stage has been recognized by every major industry award affiliation.
Opera legend and humanitarian Jessye Norman, one of the world's most celebrated performing artists, will accept the Edwin C. "Bill" Berry Civil Rights Award at the dinner along with North Lawndale resident Clyde Ross, a civil rights and fair housing advocate and a founding member of the Contract Buyers League.
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 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 53rd 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 53rd Annual Golden Fellowship Dinner include Comcast; Loop Capital; Nielsen; Boeing; Grosvenor Capital Management, L.P.; ITW; McDonald's; PNC Bank; and Walgreens.
For more information about the Chicago Urban League's 53rd Annual Golden Fellowship Dinner call 773-285-5800 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 .