New York Urban League’s 59th Annual Frederick Douglass Gala

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The New York Urban League (NYUL) is proud to share the success of its 59th Annual Frederick Douglass Dinner and Gala, held on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at the elegant Ziegfeld Ballroom. The signature black-tie event, themed “Ignite The Future,” brought together leaders, philanthropists, and community advocates for an evening dedicated to celebrating modern-day heroes who embody Frederick Douglass’s enduring commitment to equality for all, while raising vital funds for NYUL’s transformative mission.
The gala commenced with a vibrant reception before guests were seated for a powerful program, which included an invocation led by Pastor Desiree Elder from First Corinthians Baptist Church and an instrumental rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing”. The evening was hosted by renowned Comedian Chuck Nice.
The evening opened with a welcome from Malcolm Ellis, Chairman of the New York Urban League Board who introduced surprise guest Wyclef Jean. The presence of Grammy Award-winning Haitian rapper, singer, and songwriter deepened the event’s resonance.
Arva Rice, President and CEO of the New York Urban League took stage next and extended heartfelt gratitude to the Gala Co-Chairs—Gregory Belinfanti, Tom Halloran, Nnamdi Orakwue, Suzanne Shank, and McCullough Williams—for their leadership, and to the generous sponsors, including lead supporters Diageo, Sibert Williams Shank, Xponance, Fidelis, UBER, and Airbnb. Vice-Chairs such as Bloomberg, Charter Communications, Deloitte, Doug and Wendy Eisenberg, Great Performances, National Basketball Association, New York Jets, Proskauer, UPS, and Wells Fargo were also acknowledged for their sustained support. Ms. Rice also thanked NBC4 for helping bring honoree stories to life and expressed appreciation to her board, led by Malcolm Ellis and her dedicated staff for turning her vision for black excellence into reality everyday.
This year’s gala honored three distinguished individuals for their profound impact and unwavering dedication to justice and opportunity:
Honorable Alvin Bragg, Manhattan District Attorney: Praised as a “Harlem native son and Urban Leaguer”.
Liz Neumark, Founder & CEO, Great Performances: Recognized as “New York City’s food equity advocate and entrepreneur” and recipient of the Ann S. Kheel Award.
Tina Byles Williams, Founder, CEO & CIO, Xponance: Celebrated for not only managing money but also being personally committed to making sure the next generation can manage as well.
A powerful highlight of the program included remarks by Marc H. Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League. Other distinguished guests in attendance included Kevin Lyles, Loida Lewis, James Rhee, and Markuann Smith, Executive Producer of Godfather of Harlem.
The Gala’s success was elevated by its Host Committee, led by Chair Sybil St. Germain, and included Kenneth Ebie, Esq., RaVal Davis, Nick Arrington, Jasmine and Silas Cooper, and Denora & A. Mark Getachew.
Ms. Rice highlighted NYUL’s legacy, noting its pivotal role in integrating New York City public hospitals, creating the first sleep-away camps for Black children, and providing opportunities for high school drop-outs through Street Academies. Looking to the future, she announced NYUL’s plans to transform its brownstones into a Center for Black Excellence and Innovation, a space that will hold current and future operations, including the Small Business Solutions Center, afterschool programming, and workforce development, with a fundraising goal of an additional $3 million to complete the $11 million effort.
“We have no choice but to spark inspiration, fuel passion, and activate collective action to safeguard and advance civil rights – why because we are the ones we have been waiting for…Tonight I invite you to join me and IGNITE. Get on fire for social justice, get on fire for economic empowerment, get on fire for educational opportunity – get on fire for preserving who we are and what we contributed. Join me to Ignite the Future.” Arva Rice urged as she concluded with a powerful call to action.
Proceeds from the 59th Annual Frederick Douglass Dinner and Gala directly support new and expanded programming and community services, enabling the New York Urban League to continue its critical work. Donations are still being accepted and you can make a contribution by visiting, https://secure.qgiv.com/for/newyorkurbanleague.