Equal Opportunity Day / Annual Fund Campaign

Every year, the Urban League uses this event not only as one to display its importance in the community, but to highlight the importance of empowering disadvantaged people to enter the economic and social mainstream. Equally as important, the event is also an opportunity to honor individuals in the community who do astonishing work to assist the Urban League in its mission. 

 President and CEO, James T. McLawhorn believes that the Equal Opportunity Day Dinner is important because, "The quest for equal opportunity should be kept on the front burner because it demonstrates that although we have made progress in this area, we still have a way to go. It also provides an opportunity for us to salute individuals, who through their humanitarian efforts, have empowered others and changed lives." 

On Wednesday, November 2, 2011 the Columbia Urban League hosted its 44th Annual Fund Campaign and Equal Opportunity Day Dinner (EOD) at the Columbia Convention Center on 1101 Lincoln Street in Columbia, SC, beginning with a reception at 6 pm, followed by the dinner at 7 pm.

“This year’s theme Jobs: Rebuilding the Midlands. This event focused on jobs highlighting the importance of job creation along with providing access to job opportunities for the unemployed poor as we work to create healthy and striving communities.” said Columbia Urban League president and CEO James T. McLawhorn, Jr. “Also, it recognized individuals and others who have given unselfishly of themselves to serve others. These unsung heroes’ deeds are a call to service for others.”

Mayor Stephen K. Benjamin served as this year’s keynote speaker.  Having taken office in July 2010, Mayor Benjamin’s first term has been characterized by his firm belief in Columbia’s potential and the intense focus on economic development and job creation that helped secure more than $543 million in new investment and create over 2,300 new jobs in the midst of a national recession. 

Every year, the Urban League uses this event not only as one to display its importance in the community, but to highlight the importance of empowering disadvantaged people to enter the economic and social mainstream. Equally as important, the event is also an opportunity to honor individuals in the community who do astonishing work to assist the Urban League in its mission.

Meet the 2011 EOD Honorees