PERFORMANCE BY
Grammy Nominated R&B Sensation​
AMERIE
Join the Urban League of Greater Philadelphia for our most powerful night of the year; An evening of celebration, culture, and collective impact as we honor legacy, invest in the future, and uplift the next generation of leaders.
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In celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the United States, we gather not only to reflect on history, but to actively shape what comes next. The Urban League Movement has always stood at the intersection of progress and purpose, ensuring that Black communities are not just included in the American story, but empowered to lead it.
INVESTING IN THE
NEXT GENERATION
At the heart of this year’s Gala is our Community Scholarship Program, a direct investment in the future of Greater Philadelphia. This year, we are proud to award $5,000 scholarships to deserving high school seniors as they begin their college journeys. But our commitment doesn’t stop there.
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Through the Urban League of Greater Philadelphia, these scholars will receive ongoing support throughout their academic careers, including:
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Professional development opportunities
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Internship placements and career pathways
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Access to mentorship and leadership development
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Connection to ULGP’s full ecosystem of programs and services
MASTER OF CEREMONIES
Radio Personality Tiffany Bacon
Joins as this years MC!
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Tiffany Bacon is a radio personality, audio producer, writer, costume designer, educator, crafter and actor. She began her career in radio in 1990 at WRTI while attending Temple University. She tried everything the communications department had to offer including film & TV production, entertainment reporting, public affairs reporting and eventually hosting the Midday program on Jazz 90/Jazz FM. As a young adult Tiffany was a featured panelist on the 6 ABC public affairs program Youth Perspective. She cut her teeth in news at Fox 29 where she served as a production assistant for the debut of their show Good Day Philadelphia. Eventually she found her groove on the big FM music stations. She spent a few years at B101, more than a decade at Power 99FM and 13 years at Radio One Philadelphia. While at Power 99FM, Ms. Bacon created and hosted the award winning radio show, Inner City, which featured new artists, poetry, live bands, Neo and classic Soul, eclectic Hip Hop and Jazz. Inner City was responsible for breaking new artists like Jill Scott, Music Soulchild, Kindred The Family Soul, Bilal, Floetry and John Legend to name a few.
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Tiffany Bacon is currently the Creative & Production Director and host of The Midday Break Room for WURD Radio and producer of the WURD Radio Message in the Music Black Music Month live event and vignette series. She is responsible for the creation of The Community Impact Awards, WURD’s celebration of hometown heroes who tirelessly work to improve the community. The award recipients receive a certificate of appreciation and a 3 hour audio documentary of their life story which includes a playlist that represents the soundtrack to their lives. Tiffany Bacon produces the documentaries for each of the recipients. Tiffany is also a 2026 NAACP Image Award Nominee as the Narrator and editor of the Exonerated; The Cost of Wrongful Convictions Podcast from WURD.​
​​​Tiffany is also an accomplished actor and costume designer. A graduate of the William Esper School in New York City, Tiffany has several acting credits to her name including leading roles in August Wilson’s Fences & The Piano Lesson, Ruined by Lynn Nottage, For Colored Girls by Ntozake Shange and Purlie Victorious by Ozzie Davis. Tiffany also embraces the art of storytelling through costume design. The design leg of her creative journey began in 2004 when the self taught seamstress created the costumes for The Headline Theater Company, a group she co-founded. By 2018 the clothing line, Mo’Tiff Designs was born. Her fashions were featured in Philly Fashion Week from 2019-2020. Her costume designs have been featured in productions for Philadelphia Theater Company, The Lantern Theater Company, Theatre Exile and The Wilma Theatre to name a few. She received a 2024 Barrymore Award for Outstanding Costume Design for her work on Fat Ham at The Wilma Theatre; and she received the 2022 Broadwayworld.com Award for Best Costume Design of a Play or Musical for her work in the Theatre in the X production of Dreamgirls. Her most recent costume work includes Good Bones, Arden Theatre and Muleheaded, Passage Theatre.
A CELEBRATION OF CULTURE, COMMUNITY & LEGACY.
Join civic leaders, changemakers, corporate partners, and community members for an unforgettable evening filled with inspiration, recognition, and joy.
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Live entertainment and curated experiences
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Networking with regional leaders and partners
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A vibrant celebration of Black excellence and community impact
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Open Bar & Dinner
SPECIAL GUESTS
& HONOREES
Honoring Legacy. Celebrating Impact.​
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Each year, we recognize individuals and organizations whose work reflects the very best of our mission and movement.
​​Honorary Chair
Patty Jackson
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​Patty Jackson, the legendary voice of WURD Radio, serves as this year’s Honorary Chair, bringing her decades-long commitment to storytelling, community advocacy, and cultural influence to the Gala. As one of Philadelphia’s most trusted media figures, Patty has consistently used her platform to uplift voices, inform communities, and champion issues that matter. Her leadership and presence set the tone for an evening rooted in purpose, connection, and celebration.​
​​Legends & Legacy Honoree
Gregory E. Deavens
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​Gregory E. Deavens is a distinguished leader whose career has shaped some of the nation’s most influential healthcare and financial institutions, including his tenure as President and CEO of Independence Health Group. Beyond his executive leadership, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to civic engagement and cultural stewardship, serving on numerous boards and commissions that advance equity, access, and opportunity. As a commissioner on the America 250PA Commission, his leadership is especially meaningful in this historic moment, reflecting a legacy rooted in impact, integrity, and purpose. Gregory Deavens is a longtime donor and partner of the Urban League of Greater Philadelphia, having donated dozens of scholarships throughout the years.
Community Legacy Award​
Avenging The Ancestors Coalition
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The Avenging the Ancestors Coalition (ATAC) is a Philadelphia-based coalition dedicated to preserving and protecting the full truth of American history. Through advocacy, research, and community organizing, ATAC played a pivotal role in ensuring that the stories of enslaved Africans were permanently recognized at the President’s House on Independence Mall. Their work continues to challenge historical erasure and affirm the importance of truth, justice, and collective memory, making their impact especially powerful as the nation reflects on 250 years of history.
