On May 22, the Urban League of Philadelphia officially ushered in a bold new chapter—becoming the Urban League of Greater Philadelphia (ULGP)—at the 2025 Empowerment Gala. This unforgettable evening gathered hundreds of changemakers, visionaries, and community champions to celebrate our expanding reach, honor legacy, and fuel the movement forward.

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An Huge Milestone.

From the announcement of our regional expansion to witnessing 31 scholars each receive a $5,000 scholarship, the night was filled with extraordinary moments of transformation. Held against the backdrop of Philadelphia’s glittering skyline, it was a celebration rooted in impact—and bursting with hope.

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The Night's Unforgettable Highlights Included:

 

A Historic Expansion:
We proudly announced our evolution from ULP to ULGP—Urban League of Greater Philadelphia—a reflection of our growing service area, deeper regional impact, and our vision for a more equitable future across the region.

 

31 Scholars, $155,000 in Scholarships:
We celebrated the brilliance of 31 future leaders, awarding each a $5,000 scholarship. Their stories inspired a standing ovation and reminded us why we do this work.

 

Honoring Black Excellence:

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• Sheryl Lee Ralph, Emmy-winning actress and lifelong advocate, received our Legends & Legacy Award, bringing the house down with her powerful reflections on joy, justice, and perseverance.

• Patty Jackson, beloved WDAS radio host and culture curator, was honored as our Community Legacy Honoree, a beacon of authenticity and impact in Philadelphia media. 

 

 Words That Moved the Room:

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• Dr. Darrin W. Anderson, Sr., ULGP President & CEO, lit the path ahead: “We are not just changing our name—we are expanding our promise.”

• Marc Morial, National Urban League President & CEO, offered powerful congratulations on ULGP’s evolution.

• Doug Oliver, ULGP Board Chair and Sr. VP, Governmental, Regulatory and External Affiairs at PECO, affirmed our commitment to equity through corporate partnership and board leadership.

• Dr. Tony B. Watlington Sr., Superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia, shared encouragement with our college-bound scholars.

 

A Celebration in Motion:
With NBC10’s Jacqueline London as Master of Ceremonies and world-renowned DJ Aktive on the turntables, the night concluded with joy, dancing, and unity.

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Thank You to Our Sponsors

We are deeply grateful to every sponsor who made this evening possible—especially our Premier Sponsor, PECO—whose investment ensures that the work of empowerment continues across our communities.

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