This year’s Spirit of the League Awards Luncheon, held on Saturday, June 26th at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis touched the hearts and minds of attendees with the inspirational life stories of four courageous people whose tenacity, faith, love and focus on their dreams broke through barriers and overcame tragedy that might have altered their lives forever. And their challenges did not stop them from giving back to their community. This year’s honorees truly exhibited the “spirit of the urban league movement”.
The event began with a VIP Honoree Reception during which Mo’Nique was presented with an Atlanta City Council Proclamation by City Councilwoman Keisha Lance Bottoms and the Community Honorees, Jessica Hicks, Attorney Melvyn Burroughs and David Crawford were presented with Congratulatory Letters from Mayor Kasim Reed by Stephanie Johnson, Executive Assistant to the Mayor. And Nancy Flake Johnson, President & CEO of the Atlanta Urban League was surprised with a Atlanta City Council Community Service Award presented by Stephanie Johnson representing Atlanta City Council President Ceasar Mitchell.
During the luncheon, Life Time Achievement Honoree Mo’Nique shared, during her acceptance remarks, that she was always told she was “too fat, black and a woman and would never achieve her dreams”. She told the audience, “I arrived in Atlanta with my 2 year old son in a U Haul truck…but we aren’t driving a U Haul anymore….if I can do it you can too”! Mo’Nique was surprised by City Councilman Michael Julian Bond, representing Mayor Kasim Reed who was unable to attend, with the City of Atlanta’s highest honor, The Phoenix Award.
The audience was moved by all of the video tributes that were produced in-kind by Turner Broadcast System, Inc. for Mo’Nique and by WSB TV2’s Jocelyn Dorsey for the three community honorees.
The stories of the Community honorees are just as compelling.
Jessica Hicks lost both of her parents tragically at an early age. But she dedicated herself to getting a good education and with the support of her grandmother who raised her and completed high school and went on to graduate from Georgia State University. Jessica works as a housing counselor for SUMMECH Community Development Corporation where she has worked since she was a teenager and risen to the ranks of management. For more than 15 years Jessica has volunteered for the City of Atlanta Parks and Recreation, inspiring academic excellence and promoting high self esteem for young girls. Although she has no biological children, she took on the responsibility of raising her young cousin at the tender age of 19 as her own, whose mother was also facing personal challenges. This licenses real estate agent, certified counselor and educator is living a life of purpose and helping others to live with promise.
Attorney Melvyn Burroughs knows the meaning of taking responsibility and helping others. At an early age, he took on the responsibility of helping to care for his younger sister as his mother faced personal challenges. When she passed away at a young age leaving a 6 year old younger brother to his care, Melvyn stepped up again and while continuing his education he maintained a home and raised him. Giving up was not an option for the New York native. Determined to become an a CPA and attorney, he took each exam five times to pass. Throughout his professional career which includes success at companies that include Citicorp North American Finance Group and
Solomon Brothers Investment Bankers, he relocated to Atlanta. His success continued here as his entrepreneurial spirit drove him to open his accounting practice in 1992 and a law practice in 1999 both of which continue today. He makes the time to volunteer to work with youth through the Urban Pre-College Education Network which he coordinates and the Male Action Coalition Mentoring Program.
David Crawford is a young man on a mission. After being born with health challenges and some difficult experiences, he has decided that “it is just as easy to succeed as it is to fail”. He has chosen success as the path he wants to take in life. He could have chosen another road after dropping out of school and experiencing run-ins with the law. Instead after experiencing incarceration and probation, he has decided to turn his life around. At the suggestion of his parents, he enrolled in the Atlanta Urban League’s GED program to continue his education. Since his enrollment, he has become focused on his future and is determined to attend college and pursue a career in music. Experience has become his best teacher and with the help of the League, David is gaining the knowledge to “make better decisions, manage his personal behaviors and stay focused on pursuing a better quality of life”. He has been active in the community as a member of the New Morning Light Church basketball team and volunteering at South Atlanta High School. He is committed to a new life that includes continuing his education, pursuing his passion for music and being a positive and productive member of his community.
Other highlights of the event included a moving rendition of “You Are My Hero” sung by recording artist and songwriter Kathleen Bertrand, an invocation and lesson in civil rights history by Ambassador Andrew Young and emcees Richelle Carey, HLN Weekday Anchor and Ryan Smith, Host of In Session.
Special Thanks to our Spirit of the League Co-Chairs of the event Noni Ellison-Southall, Vice Chair – Atlanta Urban League Board of Directors and Sr. Counsel – Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. and Gail Nutt, Atlanta Urban League Board Member and Retired Executive – Macy’s Inc. and all of the members of the Planning Committee. We also appreciate our Honorary Co-Chairs of the event – William “Bill” Hawthorne, Sr. Vice President , Diversity Strategies and Legal Affairs – Macy’s Inc. and Roger Bobb, Executive Vice President – Tyler Perry Studios.
Special Thanks also go to our co-presenting sponsors of the Spirit of the League: Cox Enterprises, Inc. and Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. and our additional sponsors including Macy’s Inc., Anheuser Busch, Coca Cola Company, Darden Restaurants and the ING Foundation, our hard working volunteers and all who supported the event with the purchase of tables and tickets.
We are seeking the following qualities in applicants for the Sales & Marketing position: 
ATLANTA (August 16, 2010) – The Atlanta Urban League’s newly developed Center for Sustainability Communities today announced that it has received a grant from The Home Depot Foundation to weatherize senior citizens homes. The money received will be used to purchase supplies that will assist in reducing the carbon footprint by reducing the amount of energy used; as well as save money on utility bills.
