JUL 75th Anniversary

Golden glowing dust, sparks, stars, confetti bokeh, sparks light effect.

jacksonville urban league

Saturday, March 2, 2024

Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront

225 E Coastline Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32202

7 PM-11 PM

What we do

CENTER FOR ADVOCACY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

The Center takes advocacy and community engagement to the next level through connecting resources to the community, building long-lasting infrastructures that reflect the goals of our partners by assisting with 501 C (3) and 501 C (4) creation, educational and social media campaigns, training, town halls, engagement circles, grant proposals, and overall passion for the work that we do.

CENTER FOR EDUCATION, CAREER, AND WORKFORCE SERVICES

We believe in an engaging, challenging, and informative education that expands opportunity diversifies perspectives, balances an understanding of history and current circumstances, and is deeply grounded in lifelong learning, all existing within and beyond school. Every American child is ready for college, work and life, and we provide opportunities that promote job readiness and career building.

CENTER FOR ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT

Our center not only seeks to connect your passion to profits, we also create pathways to prosperity through homeownership. Our technical assistance programs help individuals reach financial stability, increase their net worth, and become financially secure and upwardly mobile.

Veterans Community Services

The Jacksonville Urban League Veterans Community Services serves as a beacon of hope and progress for Health Zone 1 in Jacksonville. Our transformative initiative is set to address pressing challenges faced by a community dealing with low income, high unemployment, poor health indicators, and the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the Jacksonville Urban League, we're committed to a holistic approach that focuses on mental and behavioral health, educational empowerment, economic revitalization, equitable accessibility, and much more.

Take a look at our past...

Our future

Community and Veterns Empowerment Center

Technology based facility honoring, promoting and high-lighting the contributions and culturally different experiences of our Veterans who served America in times of war
Multi-purpose space for community healing and engagement, workforce development, counseling, research, advocacy and resource development and health and wellness

“There is an urgent need for more support for veterans, especially in the underserved community. As a Vietnam War veteran and a survivor like so many other veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, I am aware of the needs of veterans in our region.”

Dr. Richard Danford Jr.

President and CEO

Jacksonville Urban League

Coming in 2026

KINGS ROAD & MYRTLE AVENUE

JACKSONVILLE, FL 32204

Looking to the future...

Our Entertainment

special guest

Chantè Moore

Featuring local band

Katz downstairz

2024 awards

WOMEN OF POWER AWARD

This award is given to individuals that exemplify the power it takes to move our community forward while faced with challenging barriers related to gender. The Jacksonville Urban League’s Women of Power awardees are recognized for their professional contributions in business, civic and community work.

Donna Deegan

Mayor City of Jacksonville

Dr. Johnetta Betsch Cole

Anthropologist, Educator and Activist

Joyce Morgan

Duval County Property Appraiser

Valerie H. Jenkins

Executive Vice President, Community Impact & Sustainability Wells Fargo

CLANZEL T. BROWN HUMANITARIAN AWARD

This award is given to an individual who exemplifies the achievement and humanitarianism of Clanzel T. Brown, Sr. Clanzel T. Brown was President of the Jacksonville Urban League from 1965-1982. A real “doer” and achiever, his battles against poverty, oppression, and injustice were aimed at improving the lives of all people, regardless of color or creed. The results of his efforts were lauded both locally and nationally.Clanzel T. Brown became increasingly convinced that the key to the future was through economic development to open all levels of education, training and corporate employment. From direct on-the-job experience, he knew the meaning of achievement through hard work. Mr. Brown set high goals and achieved them. Because he never falered in his efforts for the betterment of his community, his life became a beacon in the lives of those that follow

General Daniel "Chappie" James, Jr. VFW Post 4761

In honor of Staff Sgt. Sollie Mitchell

Whitney M. Young Jr. Leadership Award

This award is given to an individual who exemplifies the leadership principles of Whitney M. Young, Jr. Whitney M. Young, Jr. was an articulate U.S. civil rights leader who spearheaded the drive for equal opportunity for blacks in the U.S. industry and government service during his 10 years as head of the National Urban League (1961-71) the world’s largest social civil rights organization. His advocacy of a “Domestic Marshall Plan” – massive funds to help solve America’s racial problems –was felt to have strongly influenced federal poverty programs in Washington, D.C. (1963 – 1969).

Isaiah Rumlin

Jacksonville NAACP President

DR. Chester A. Aikens Community Advocate Award

Dr. Chester Aikens Community Advocate Award was established to honor the remarkable legacy of Chester Aikens, a dedicated dentist who served the Jacksonville community for 34 years with unwavering commitment and a fervent passion for volunteering. Throughout his esteemed career, Chester Aikens demonstrated an exemplary dedication to community service, generously devoting his time and expertise to numerous boards and committees. This prestigious award recognizes individuals who embody Chester Aikens' spirit of selfless dedication and tireless advocacy for community betterment. Recipients of this award exemplify a profound commitment to serving others, actively engaging in initiatives that uplift and empower their communities.

Benjamin M. Frazier, Jr. (posthumously)

Civil Rights Activist

Arnolta Johnston “Mama” Williams Award

This prestigious award honors individuals who embody the remarkable qualities of patience, compassion, and the indomitable spirit of Arnolta Johnston “Mama” Williams. Mrs. Williams, a paragon of grace and charm, imparted invaluable life lessons by her very being. She instilled in others a profound respect for the inherent dignity of every individual, fostering love, devotion, and a deep-seated concern for the multifaceted challenges of life, irrespective of social standing. Fearlessly delving into difficult and contentious issues, she paved the way for positive change and earned recognition as a trailblazer, even among political circles. Her enduring legacy serves as an inspiration and a beacon of hope for generations to come.

Linnie Hilliard Finley

Jacksonville Urban League Executive Vice President

Special Recognition

A special thank you to Jacquelyne Holmes and Jacqueline P. Williams for their outstanding contributions as honorary Board Members of the Jacksonville Urban League Economic and Community Development Foundation.

International Women of Power Award

This award is given to an individual that exemplifies the power it takes to move our nation forward while faced with challenging barriers related to gender. The Jacksonville Urban League’s International Women of Power awardee is recognized for her professional contributions in business, civic and community work.

Her Excellency The Honorable Cynthia A. Pratt, oN

First Surgical Nurse, First Female of National Security, First Deputy Female Prime Minister, and 12th Governor General of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis KC MP, Her Excellency the Most Honourable Cynthia A. Pratt and Mrs Ann Marie Davis.

OUR SPONSORS

We deeply appreciate our sponsors’ proactive support for the Jacksonville Urban League and its programs and services. Their willingness to partner with us and make contributions plays a vital role in enhancing the experiences and creating opportunities for the individuals we serve.