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Urban League to honor community leaders at annual gala

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Attendees at the 2008 Urban League Gala.

By Angela Watson Gay, Staff Writer Updated 3:19 PM Thursday, November 5, 2009

DAYTON — Those attending the Dayton Urban League’s annual gala Friday, Nov. 6, will get the red carpet treatment, literally.

They’ll hand their keys over to a valet before gliding across a red carpet. Then they’ll walk into the Dayton Art Institute to enjoy “An Evening at the Cotton Club.”

It’s the 11th year for the event, according to Elley White, executive assistant to the president of the Dayton Urban League.

The event, with WHIO-TV Channel 7 news anchor Natasha Williams serving as emcee, includes a champagne reception and a high rollers casino.

Entertainment will be provided by The Different Hats Band, the Central State University Jazz Band, DJ Chris Paul and more.

“It’s a fun time to dress up, network and mingle,” White said.

The evening won’t be all fun and games, though. The league will also honor eight individuals with Diamond awards for being “outstanding community leaders,” White said.

Recipients include:

U.S. Rep. Michael Turner, R-Centerville.
U.S. District Court Senior Judge Walter Rice.
Jen Lepore-Jentleson, executive director of East End Community Center.
Dr. Morris Brown, owner of Dayton Primary and Urgent Care.
Camela L. Douglass, founder and CEO of Mo Better Me Studios.
Dr. Glenn Faircloth, principal of David H. Ponitz Career Technology Center.
Dr. Marguerite Walker, retired regional director, Ohio Civil Rights Commission.
Dr. Robert Walker, executive director of Wesley Community Center is also an honoree. He has been at the community center since 1973. “It’s always an honor when people recognize your contributions,” he said.

“Given the economic downturn, care for the existing needs and the vast emerging needs; you get weary. Sometimes you wonder if its worth it but then you realize you have people who at least respect the effort you’re putting forth,” Walker said.

Proceeds will benefit the Dayton Urban League’s education and youth programs, including a supplemental educational program that provides students with one-on-one tutoring for math, reading and science.

The league will also have a “mortgage burning” at the gala to celebrate its ownership of the building on West Fifth Street. The 2005 campaign, Access to Success, raised enough not only to meet the $3.5 million goal but exceeded it, bringing in $3.6 million.

“This is a phenomenal accomplishment,” said Dr. Robert E. Johnson, league board chairman and Sinclair Community College senior vice president.

“The fact that the Dayton Urban League with the support of the community will be paying off the mortgage in this economic climate is a testament to the organizations judicious financial management,” he said.

VIP tickets at $125 ($100 for nonmembers) include valet parking, a photo on the Red Carpet, bonus casino bucks, and two drink tickets.

“It’s a one-of-a-kind event,” White said. “One of the finer events in Dayton that people look forward to.”

Purchase tickets at daytonurbanleague.org or call (937) 221-7691.

NOTE: The location of the event appeared incorrectly in an earlier version of this story.

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