When the COVID-19 pandemic settled in 2020, many social services organizations shuttered operations, but Greater Washington Urban League (GWUL) President George H. Lambert Jr. proudly noted the organization dedicated to empowering Washingtonians did not.
While the League continued to help residents in the areas of housing, business development and education, one major activity had to be shelved until it was safe to have large crowds in one place: the Whitney M. Young Gala, one of the District’s signature social events, held on March 15.
“This is the first gala since 2019,” Lambert said. “We have responded to the call to bring the gala back. This is a watershed event where movers and shakers show up. We are delighted to be doing this again.”
The gala took place downtown at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Northwest D.C. The purpose of the event is to raise funds for the organization and its operations and programs.
Lambert said even though the pandemic has largely lessened, “the need has not subsided.”
“We want to continue to be transformative in people’s lives,” he said.
The Gala Honors Memories, Celebrates Brave Leaders, Highlights Work, Legacy
The gala — themed “Honoring Those with Courage Under Fire” — celebrated the major contributions of barrier-breaking leaders, including Maryland Gov. Wes Moore.
Scores of people dressed formally with men in suits, tuxedos, and bowties, and women dressed in fancy gowns or formal dresses came. Actor Jonathan Slocumb served as the emcee and reminded the audience of one of the main purposes of the event.
“The greatest nation is a donation,” Slocumb, 64, said.
During the event, a video of the Howard University Choir singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” was shown, before the Rev. Kendrick Curry, senior pastor of The Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church in Southeast, delivered the invocation.
The event also honored the late Maudine Cooper, who served as president of GWUL for 23 years, and played a video in her memory.
District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser praised the organization for “bringing this wonderful dinner back downtown” and spoke about the organization’s role in helping to raise the median income of the Black family in the District by $25,000.
“You can continue to count on us as your partner,” Bowser, 51, said.
The organization also highlighted Lambert’s contributions. It was noted that when he first became president in 2014, revenue for the organization was at $4.5 million. Presently, it stands at $125 million.
Other highlights of Lambert’s tenure include increasing the staff from 40 to 80 people and starting the Thursday Network, a group of young professionals in the Washington area dedicated to education and public service.
Representatives from the Scotland community in Montgomery County, Maryland, received GWUL’s Community Resilience Award for their efforts to preserve their Black historic neighborhood.
Patrice Sulton, executive director of DC Justice Lab, was the recipient of the Champion of Justice Award for advocating for those who tend to be mistreated in the District’s criminal justice system.
Returning citizens advocate Chris Turner received the Community Impact Award for his work in advocating on behalf of the wrongly convicted.
After becoming Maryland’s first Black governor, Moore received the 2024 GWUL Leadership Impact Award, particularly highlighting his focus on helping minorities and those less fortunate.
He answered questions in a Fireside Chat with CNN legal analyst Laura Coates.
“I want Maryland to be the first state to eliminate the racial wealth gap,” Moore, 45, said to thunderous applause. “I want a Maryland where everyone will have the chance to succeed.”
