A NIGHT THAT ASKED SOMETHING OF ALL OF US
On May 21, the Urban League of Greater Philadelphia gathered civic leaders, corporate partners, community champions, scholars, supporters, and culture-shapers for the 2026 Annual Empowerment Gala, an unforgettable evening rooted in celebration, history, purpose, and collective responsibility.
This year’s Gala arrived during a defining national moment: the 250th Anniversary of the United States. But for the Urban League of Greater Philadelphia, the evening was never only about looking back. It was about asking what history requires of us now, and how we choose to build the next chapter for Black communities across Greater Philadelphia.
Against a backdrop of music, movement, recognition, and reflection, the room was filled with people who understand that legacy is not something we inherit passively. It is something we build, fund, protect, and pass forward.
THANKFUL FOR OUR AMAZING SPONSORS
THEIR SUPPORT HELPS US DRIVE IMPACT IN GREATER PHILADELPHIA
CULTURE, COMMUNITY & LEGACY
From the opening moments to the final song, the 2026 Gala reminded us what is possible when purpose and celebration meet in the same room. Guests came together to honor extraordinary leaders, invest in the next generation, and recommit to the work of economic mobility, civic power, health equity, education, entrepreneurship, housing stability, and community transformation.
At the heart of the evening was our Community Scholarship Program, a direct investment in young leaders preparing to begin their college journeys. Each $5,000 scholarship represents more than financial support. It represents belief, access, encouragement, and a broader ecosystem of opportunity that continues beyond one night.
YOU HAD TO BE THERE!
BUT IF YOU MISSED IT. SCROLL THE GALERY. #REPOST. @urbanleaguegphl
MASTER OF CEREMONIES
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.
UNFORGETABLE HIGHLIGHTS:
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A Celebration of America’s 250th Through a Black Future Lens: As the country prepares to reflect on 250 years of American history, ULGP centered a deeper question: Who gets to shape the future from here? The evening honored the Urban League Movement’s historic role in advancing civil rights, economic justice, and opportunity while calling every guest into the work still ahead.
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Investing in the Next Generation: The Gala spotlighted our Community Scholarship Program and celebrated deserving high school seniors beginning their college journeys. Through ULGP, scholars are connected not only to financial support, but to mentorship, leadership development, professional development, internship pathways, and access to a wider network of programs and services.
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Honoring Legacy and Impact: This year, we were proud to recognize leaders and organizations whose work reflects the mission and movement of the Urban League.
Patty Jackson, beloved Philadelphia radio icon and legendary voice of WDAS, served as Honorary Chair, bringing her decades of storytelling, cultural influence, and community advocacy to the evening.
Gregory E. Deavens, distinguished executive leader, civic steward, and longtime supporter of ULGP scholars, received the Legends & Legacy Award. His career has shaped major institutions across healthcare and finance, while his continued commitment to education and equity reflects the kind of leadership that strengthens communities for generations.
Avenging the Ancestors Coalition received the Community Legacy Award for its powerful work preserving historical truth, challenging erasure, and ensuring that the stories of enslaved Africans are permanently recognized at the President’s House on Independence Mall.
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A Room Filled With Music, Joy, and Movement: The night carried the energy of a true celebration. Grammy-nominated R&B sensation Amerie delivered a memorable performance, while DJ Aktive returned to keep the room moving and the spirit of the evening alive. Tiffany Bacon, radio personality, storyteller, creative force, and host of WURD’s The Midday Break Room, guided the evening as Master of Ceremonies with warmth, presence, and unmistakable Philly soul.
THE STATE OF BLACK GREATER PHILADELPHIA
COMING SOON
SPECIAL GUESTS
& HONOREES
Honoring Legacy. Celebrating Impact.
Each year, we recognize individuals and organizations whose work reflects the very best of our mission and movement.
Honorary Chair
Patty Jackson
Patty Jackson, the legendary voice of WDAS 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
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
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.
