Urban League of Greater Madison Young Professionals will celebrate a “Black Renaissance” at their second annual gala on Saturday, December 16 at Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center.
The organization took its first stab at such an event one year ago to celebrate its 10th anniversary.
“We had such a wonderful time engaging with the community that we said we should just do it annually,” president Kurt Rose told Blueprint365.
The theme, “The Legacy Continues: Black Renaissance,” reflects the successful growth of the organization from just 19 members in 2019 to more than 100 today.
“We’ve started to build a legacy within the city, and it’s continuing to move on beyond our 10 year anniversary,” Rose said. “It’ll be an evening celebrating Black excellence, just as it was last year. There’s dinner, a cocktail hour, lots of networking, because we have a good number of sponsors that will be in attendance. And then we have a nice dance portion at the end of the evening.”
Up and comer DJ Shamgod $upreme will provide the entertainment.
ULGMYP will also honor four members for their successes and service: Teran Peterson will receive the Inspire Award, Kyra Johnson will receive the Invest Award, Julian Walters will receive the Impact Award and Dr. Larry Love will receive the Presidential Award.
Tickets are $110 and available at this link – though there aren’t many left, so Rose advises anyone who wishes to attend to act soon.
Rose said funds raised last year allowed the group to host a private screening of the new Little Mermaid film with local organization Black Girl Magic, send ULGMYP members to a national conference, among other endeavors.
“We find creative ways to utilize the funds and put them back into the community,” Rose said.
Rose noted that this will be ULGMYP’s last event under his leadership, as president-elect Kayla Conklin will take over at the beginning of 2024.
