The Columbia Urban League

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COLUMBIA URBAN LEAGUE BRINGS HOME NATIONAL AWARD

In the midst of the National Urban League celebrating 100 years of existence at its annual conference and showcasing a sterling lineup of powerful people such as President Barack Obama and Maya Angelou, the Columbia Urban League grabbed its moment in the spotlight receiving the Whitney M. Young Jr. Leadership Award for Advancing Racial Equality. Additionally, James T. McLawhorn, Jr. was presented the Centennial Public Policy Champion Award during the National Urban League's Centennial Conference held July 26-31, 2010, in Washington, DC.

This year's conference theme, "I Am Empowered" resonated with many attendees, particularly during these challenging economic times, because it focuses on the following:      making sure that every American child is ready for college, work, and life; every American has access to jobs with a living wage and good benefits; every American lives in a safe, decent, affordable and energy efficient housing on fairs terms; every American has access to quality and affordable health care solutions.  Bringing in dynamic leaders, engaging speakers and hosting empowering workshops, the conference provided a positive outlet for so many seeking solutions to the social ills facing our nation. Winning the two awards for the Columbia Urban League affiliate was also an uplifting moment for South Carolina and helped to shine a positive light on some of the negative perceptions about the state.

Named after the decade-long president of the National Urban League who served as an advisor on race relations to Presidents Kennedy and Johnson, the Whitney M. Young Jr. award recognizes outstanding work in the area of advancing racial equity and serves as a reminder that Urban League affiliates and their leaders have a responsibility to follow Young's lead in ensuring equal opportunity for all.

"We are honored to receive the National Urban League's prestigious award, the Whitney M. Young Jr. Award for advancing race relations during the Centennial Celebration of the National Urban League. Given the perceived negative climate of race relations in South Carolina, this award is special because it demonstrates that we are making some progress with improving race relations in South Carolina. Hopefully, this recognition will encourage others to become more proactive in leveling the playing field for all South Carolinians," said Mr. McLawhorn.