Shining Through
Shining Bright Like a Diamond
Saturday, Oct. 21, 6:30–11:30 p.m.
Duke Energy Convention Center
525 Elm St.
Dinner and dessert by the bite courtesy of Black and women restaurateurs; open bar.
The night will also be a celebration of 50 years of hip hop with headliner, KID CAPRI, recognized globally as an innovator and pioneer of DJ culture. Additional entertainment by the 2nd Wind Band and DJ Vader.
Tickets available at www.ulgso.org/gala.
To honor 75 years of working to empower communities and change lives through advocacy, education, and development, the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio (ULGSO) is bringing back its in-person celebration this year.
“Due to COVID our last gala was in 2019,” said Urban League President and CEO, Christie Kuhns. “So, we are extremely excited to have our return gala in such a historic year for the organization. This is an opportunity for us to celebrate 75 years of incredible impact in our community and raise funds to make sure the work continues for another 75 years.”
Co-chairs for the gala, with the theme “Shining Bright Like a Diamond,” are Philip and Gail Holloman and Barabara and Daman Turner.
“The Urban League has a long, proud tradition of serving the Cincinnati community through programs that have real impact on people’s lives,” said Barbara Turner, Urban League Board President and gala co-chair. “Whether helping people find employment, improve their financial stability or helping entrepreneurs grow, the Urban League can help people improve their quality of life.”
AALDP Class 30
Salimah Abdul-Hakim, Soleil Kitchen
Barbara Bell, U.S. House of Representatives/Rep. Greg Landsman
D'arrell Brown, Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio
Tai Collins, University of Cincinnati
Maria Cunningham Hill, Hillman Group
Akiva Freeman, The Kroger Co.
Lindzie Gunnels, 3CDC/Gunnels Realty
Rickell Howard Smith, YWCA Greater Cincinnati
Alexandria Merriweather-Turner, Central State University
Janice Miller, Council on Aging
Nick Mockabee, The Kroger Co.
Ayanna Morgan, Cradle Cincinnati
Toilynn O'Neal Turner, Robert O'Neal Multicultural Arts Center
DeShawn Raimey, Western & Southern Financial Group
Robert Sanders, Sanders Development Group
Ryane Sickles, University of Cincinnati
Devona Stripling, Cincinnati Regional Chamber of Commerce
Marcus Thompson, Triversity Construction
Janaya Trotter Bratton, Hamilton County Municipal Court
Chantal Weaver, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
Donald Young, Secure & Protect
The Urban League also recently announced Class 30 of their African American Leadership Development Program (AALDP).
AALDP is the most highly regarded professional development opportunity and networking platform for African American professionals in Greater Cincinnati. Through 10 interactive sessions led by nationally recognized expert facilitators, participants increase their awareness of their professional and personal strengths, enhance their knowledge of critical community issues and grow their leadership skills. The program provides an overview of Cincinnati’s rich cultural history, power and influence, government, advocacy and economics framed in Black history and perspective.
“AALDP provides an opportunity for African American leaders to connect and grow with one another in powerful ways,” said Kuhns. “So many of Cincinnati’s prominent African American leaders are graduates of AALDP. I believe that speaks to the enduring power and legacy of this program.”