58th Annual
Frederick Douglass Awards
The New York Urban League,
Board of Directors and the Gala Co-Chairs cordially held the 58th Annual Frederick Douglass Renew Gala on June 6th, 2024.
A signature event for over half a century, the New York Urban League Frederick Douglass Awards Dinner celebrates modern-day heroes who exhibit an unparalleled commitment to equality for all. The New York Urban League has presented the Frederick Douglass Medallion, named in honor of the former slave turned preeminent abolitionist and orator, to those who reflect the mission of the New York Urban League and embody the spirit of Frederick Douglass through their commitment to advancing the rights of generations of underserved African Americans and their work elevating communities.
The New York Urban League Frederick Douglass Dinner raises funds to support new and expanded programming and community services to further the League’s mission. The flagship affiliate of the National Urban League, the NYUL is one of New York’s oldest civil rights organizations. Founded in 1919 to provide opportunities for Blacks migrating from the rural south to New York City, NYUL has and continues to help individuals and families access employment, education, and opportunities. Through direct service delivery, advocacy, referrals, community capacity building, information dissemination, and technical assistance, the League accomplishes its mission to help people face and overcome barriers to full participation in American society.
Honorary Co-Chairs
Meagan
Good
Actress
and Activist
Bethann Hardison
Trailblazing
Fashion Model
and Activist
Tonya
Lewis Lee
Producer,
Author, Lawyer,
and Activist
2024 Frederick Douglass Award Honorees
The New York Urban League awarded the 2024 Frederick Douglass Medallion will to the following honorees on Thursday, June 6th, during the 58th annual Frederick Douglass Awards Dinner.
2024 Ann S. Kheel Award
In 1966, the first Frederick Douglass Awards Dinner was organized by board member Ann Sunstein Kheel to commemorate the work of both the New York Urban League and those like-minded individuals whose work embodied Frederick Douglass’ legacy. Ann S. Kheel demonstrated an unwavering commitment and devotion to the New York Urban League’s mission of equal opportunity in health, education, employment, and housing, making a major contribution to the City of New York as well as to the Urban League.
As the Executive Chairman of these dinners for 25 years, Ann S. Kheel was a pillar of support for the New York Urban League and the success of these dinners. By conceiving and organizing this annual dinner in Frederick Douglass's name, she advanced his hope and that of countless others that anyone—however disadvantaged—may aspire and achieve despite the imperfections of our democracy.
The Ann S. Kheel Award is named in honor of her outstanding contributions to the New York Urban League and her support for equality and dignity for all New Yorkers.
The New York Urban League presented the 2024 Ann S. Kheel Award to the following honoree:
Gala Host
Demarco Morgan
Co-Anchor, Good Morning America 3
CELEBRATION COMMITTEE
Gala Reception
Diageo / Pronghorn
Lead Chair
Charter Communications | Douglas & Wendy Eisenberg | Fidelis Care | Red Helicopter
Vice Chair
National Grid | NBA | New York Jets | Northwell Health | UPS | Wells Fargo | WNBC-4 New York
Salute to Honorees
Bloomin Brands Inc. | JPMorgan Chase & Co | SEIU | TASK Foundation | Uber
Gold
FINN Partners | Ken deRegt and Alison Overseth, and Overseth/Bozian/deRegt Family | KeyBank | Nielsen
Flowers & Décor Underwriter
Geico
ALL THE MOMENTS FROM
2024 AWARDS DINNER
During our celebration, we acknowledged esteemed honorees that have a steadfast commitment, dedication, and influence that have led the charge for advancing the rights of generations of underserved African Americans and salute their seminal work elevating communities. Proceeds from the centennial dinner support programs and services that fuel our abilities to Empower Communities and Change Lives, develop new policies, and empower our fellow citizens.
Frederick Douglass Dinner Press Coverage
Harlem World Magazine
June 8, 2024
The Knockturnal
June 11, 2014
Photo Credits: Getty Images and Margot Jordan
NYUL ACTION AREAS TO SUPPORT
The work of the New York Urban League is guided by our vision that every American child is ready for college, work and life; every American has access to jobs with a living wage and good benefits; and every American has an equal right and responsibility to fully participate in our democracy and civic processes, and all people have a right to justice and fairness. To make this vision a reality, we take action in the following areas:
Giving is an opportunity to give New York's most underserved, an opportunity to secure a first-class education, economic self-reliance and equal respect for their civil rights. Donate today and make a difference.