Chicago Urban League Hosts Annual Golden Fellowship Dinner

The Chicago Urban League’s Golden Fellowship Dinner is a 59-year tradition that celebrates our progress on the road to economic and racial equity for Black Chicagoans. This year, the Chicago Urban League is hosting a weekend themed, “Black Chicago Matters: Inequity Unmasked, in a tribute to this year’s growing movement for racial justice.

The two-day event themed Black Chicago Matters: Inequity Unmasked, will be held Friday, November 6, and Saturday, November 7. The theme highlights the ongoing fight for racial equity that has been magnified this year through undeniable displays of structural racism and the resulting calls for social justice.

Friday, November 6 the Chicago Urban League will host their inaugural Golden Fellowship Exchange, a pre-gala virtual event where leaders from different generations will exchange insights and ideas in a series of interactive conversations. The weekend continues Saturday, November 7, with the 59th Annual Golden Fellowship Dinner with a twist that allows supporters to join from home while supporting local Black-owned caterers.

This 2-day event will include Pre-Gala Generational Conversations, At-Home Dinner Parties, and Performances by Common, The Emotions, and Jonathan McReynolds.  The Chicago Urban League is making several changes to its signature annual fundraiser considering the two biggest issues of 2020: COVID-19 and racial injustice.

The 59^th Annual Golden Fellowship Dinner will allow supporters to participate virtually by hosting a dinner party at their home, office, or venue of their choice. The Chicago Urban League will partner with local Black-owned businesses to cater offsite dinner parties.

“Like so many organizations, we had to reimagine our annual gala. We are doing so in a way that gives our corporate supporters and community members an opportunity to have their voices heard while supporting two worthy causes,” said Freeman-Wilson. “Over the past six to eight months, issues of racial inequity have been front and center, and we want to highlight the value of diverse measures and coalition building in addressing the scourge of racism. That is why we added the Golden Fellowship Exchange.”

“Additionally, because so many businesses have struggled, we want to use this year’s gala to highlight several Black-owned businesses,” she added. “As a result, we hope some of our supporters will find new partners for their catering needs.”

For more information on the Chicago Urban League and the Golden Fellowship Dinner, go to their website at https://chiul.org/event/golden-fellowship-exchange/ .

Danielle Sanders is a journalist and writer living in Chicago.  Find her on social media @DanieSandersOfficial.