Washington, DC – April 7, 2025— While one might find irony in the notion that the Greater Washington Urban League (GWUL) held its 2025 Whitney M. Young Awards Gala on Friday, March 28, 2025 at the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center in DC, given recent views on globalism, the venue served as a perfect backdrop for the nation’s oldest civil rights organization to restate its resolve to work ever more fervently toward economic justice for Black and other people of color.
The evening’s energy, reminiscent of a family reunion, was filled with hugs and spirit-filled greetings as old friends embraced while others made new connections, passing business cards and swapping QR codes. The pre-program reception also offered an opportunity for well-wishes to congratulate awardees, snap a “quick-pic” on the red carpet, and bid on over a hundred unique and valued items and travel experiences generously donated for the silent auction.
To open the program, management guru and GWUL Board Chair, Dawn Hendricks, set the stage for a series of rousing and empowering remarks by the likes of Kimberly A. Bassett, Secretary of the District of Columbia and National Urban League President and CEO – Marc H. Morial. A national civil rights leader, Morial leaned in on the evening’s theme – “Building the Vision: The Power of We,” encouraging the audience to summon the strength and resilience of their ancestors to meet the current challenges our nation faces.
Greater Washington Urban League CEO and President George H. Lambert Jr. was joined by his Chief Administrative and Financial Officer, Kimberly Corbin, and other staff outlining the accomplishments of the past year. They also highlighted direct service and financial milestones reached in 2024, including the Black Restaurant Accelerator Program Grants, assistance to new homeowners, and support rendered to District residents in preventing displacement and eviction.
Throughout the evening, Comedy Central and BET famed comedian, Jonathan Slocumb, served up extra helpings of his secret sauce. At various points, he assumed the role of librarian, silencing the crowd. However, this was not the case once the “Dynamic Duo” graced the stage for a “Fireside Chat.” Laura Coates, Chief Legal Analyst and host of “Laura Coates Live” on CNN and former White House Press Secretary/Special Advisor to the President, Karine Jean-Pierre, offered a rich and thoughtful dialogue that gained the undivided attention of their many admirers, regular viewers, and fans. The one-on-one exchange traversed the landscape of US politics and other critical topics of the day.
No stranger to controversy, Jean-Pierre delivered direct yet diplomatic responses to Coates’ probes. She openly shared her insights on being the first openly gay woman and Black woman to serve in her role in the White House and the challenge of demanding and earning the respect she was due. She also offered input on the outcome of the recent presidential election and her efforts, among others, to warn voters of what might lie ahead based on the results. “Elections have consequences,” she remarked.
Following an extended standing ovation for the Fireside Chat, Lambert, Hendricks, and Corbin presented the coveted Courage Under Fire Awards to the honorees. The Wings of Hope Award was presented to Ira Kress, President of Giant Foods. Will Dawkins, General Manager of the Washington Wizards, received the Beacon of Grace Award. Karin Jean-Pierre received GWUL’s first-ever Torchbearer in Communications Award.
Noted advocate and political icon Congresswoman Maxine Waters (California 43rd District), believed by many to be the “Most Powerful Woman in the US Congress,” was awarded the Lioness of Justice Award. Congresswoman Waters was unable to attend due to congressional proceedings.
Finally, Lambert offered his advice to all present to take the charge leveled by Marc Morial to harness and leverage the “Power of We.”