D. Steve Boland and Dena R. Diorio Named 2023 Whitney M. Young, Jr. Award Recipients by Urban League of Central Carolinas
CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 12, 2023—Urban League of Central Carolinas (ULCC) will present a Whitney M. Young, Jr. Award to D. Steve Boland, Bank of America chief administrative officer, and Mecklenburg County Manager Dena R. Diorio, at its annual gala on Friday, August 4, 2023.
The Whitney M. Young, Jr. Award is given in memory of the great civil rights leader and former National Urban League head, to honor individuals who demonstrate leadership and support for the Black community through community service and investment. Previous Urban League of Central Carolinas’ recipients include Eugene Woods, Representative Alma Adams, Malcomb Coley and Dr. Ophelia Garmon-Brown. The awards will be presented as ULCC celebrates its 45th year of impact in Charlotte Mecklenburg.
Dr. Kinneil Coltman, Urban League Board Chair, provided insight into the honorees. “Dena Diorio’s thoughtful leadership has been so vital to the quality of life we want to create for those the Urban League serves and the underserved community. Her commitment to ensuring that individuals have workforce
training and connections to jobs that provide a livable wage, access to affordable housing, and so much
more, makes her a true champion and advocate for economic mobility.”
“Steve Boland has played a pivotal role in creating investment opportunities to enrich communities of color through both his leadership roles at Bank of America and the work he does with nonprofit organizations, including the National Urban League Board. He is an unwavering advocate for Black and diverse talent and understands the power that comes from advancing racial equality and economic opportunity,” said Coltman. “Steve’s focus on eliminating barriers of inequality to support sustainable outcomes and solutions is in concert with the mission of the Urban League to help empower communities and change lives.”
In addition to Whitney M. Young, Jr. Awards, ULCC will present Community Leadership Awards to Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department’s Central Division Bike Unit and the Mad Miles Run Club. “The CMPD Central Bike Division are often unsung heroes who help maintain safety in some of our city’s busiest areas,” said Robyn Hamilton, President & CEO. “And the Mad Miles Run Club is a force to be reckoned with. They chose to take selfless steps to impact the health of thousands during the pandemic and have created a movement in our community. Both were chosen for their investment in the well-being of individuals and families in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.”
The Whitney M. Young, Jr. Awards Gala will take place during Black Philanthropy Month on Friday, August 4 at 6 p.m. at the Charlotte Marriott City Center on 100 W. Trade Street. For more information, contact Carolyn.Coles@urbanleaguecc.org.
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The Urban League of Central Carolinas is a multi-service, non-profit agency that was established in 1978. Its mission is to advocate for and equip African Americans and all underserved communities with the tools to achieve social and economic equality.
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