Urban League of Central Carolinas to honor North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper with 2024 Whitney M. Young, Jr. Award  

Charlotte, NC — The Urban League of Central Carolinas (ULCC) will present the Whitney M. Young. Jr. Award to the honorable Governor Roy Cooper at its annual awards gala on Friday, August 2nd, 2024. The Whitney M.  Young, Jr. Award is given to honor individuals who demonstrate leadership and support for the African  American community through community service and investment.  

This prestigious award is presented in honor of Whitney M. Young, a prominent civil rights leader and advocate for social justice who led the National Urban League from 1961 until his death in 1971. 

“Governor Cooper’s thoughtful leadership has been so vital to the quality of life we want to create for those the Urban League serves in our community,” said Urban League of Central Carolinas Board Chair Aenis S. Harris, Jr. “His commitment to workforce training and connections to jobs that provide a livable wage, access to affordable housing and so much more, make him a true champion and advocate for economic mobility.” 

In addition to Governor Cooper receiving the Whitney M. Young, Jr. Award, ULCC will also present the Vernon A. Jordon Award to Raki McGregor, the Community Catalyst Award to the Mecklenburg County of Elders, and the Community Leadership Award to fifteen of Charlotte Executive Leadership Committee’s (CELC) CMS Executives in Residence (EnRs). 

“We’re so pleased to be able to honor these individuals and organizations who have greatly impacted our community,” said Robyn Lake Hamilton, President and CEO of ULCC. “Each has demonstrated leadership and a commitment to improving the lives of others through extraordinary community service and investment.” 

The Whitney M. Young, Jr. Awards Gala is presented by Zora Neale Hurston sponsor, Atrium Health, supported by Truist, Josephine Baker sponsor, and Wells Fargo, Duke Ellington sponsor, along with other corporate and community sponsors. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. 

Previous Whitney M. Young Award recipients include Dena R. Diorio, D. Steve Boland, Eugene Woods, Congresswoman Alma Adams, Malcomb Coley, and Dr. Ophelia Garmon-Brown. The award will be presented as ULCC celebrates its 46th year of impact in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. 

The 2024 Whitney M. Young, Jr. Awards Gala will be held during Black Philanthropy Month on Friday, August 2nd at 6 pm at The Westin Charlotte. For more information, please contact Carolyn.Coles@urbanleaguecc.org. 

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The Urban League of Central Carolinas is a multi-service, non-profit agency with a mission to empower the community to reach financial stability and social justice.