42nd Annual Equal Opportunity Day Breakfast.
He plans to attend ETSU.
The Urban League of Greater Chattanooga (ULGC) marked a significant milestone in its ongoing mission of community empowerment during its 42nd Annual Equal Opportunity Day (EOD) Breakfast.
The event, themed “State of the Movement,” was held on Dec. 5, at The Chattanoogan Hotel, drawing nearly 400 supporters dedicated to the organization’s vision of an equitable and prosperous community.
“It’s truly an honor to witness what I just saw on stage with those young people,” remarked Candy Johnson, ULGC president and CEO, highlighting the organization’s focus on youth leadership. “Those are our leaders, not of the future, but of today. And that’s what the Urban League Movement is all about.”
Johnson emphasized the organization’s comprehensive approach to community development, stating, “We really take this holistic approach, this three-generational approach, to upward economic mobility, parity, power and investing in helping our young people understand the importance of civil rights.”
The event showcased the success of ULGC’s Project Ready program through a student panel featuring Kennedy Garrett, Timothy Rice III and JaMya Rogan. The discussion, moderated by ULGC Youth and Education staff members Kai’ya Stevens and Eric Barton, demonstrated the program’s impact on developing young leaders.
In recognition of academic excellence, the Warren E. Logan Jr. Scholarship awarded $2,000 each to JaMya Rogan and Timothy Rice III, while Meko Moss received a $1,500 scholarship.
Additionally, the breakfast celebrated outstanding contributions to the community, including: The Whitney M. Young Jr. Award, Eric Atkins of the Unity Group; Spirit of the Movement Award, former ULGC Board member Ronald Harris; Community Impact Award, Chris McKee and McKee Foods; and Inclusion by Design Award, Tennessee American Water.
As an affiliate of the National Urban League, ULGC has been serving Chattanooga since 1982, providing vital support to economically disadvantaged individuals, communities of color and minority-owned businesses. The organization’s programs focus on educational attainment, economic development, self-sufficiency and inclusive leadership opportunities.
Jennifer Fuller, ULGC Board vice chair, presented the “State of the Movement” Board Perspective, while the impact of the organization’s work was highlighted through a special video presentation.
Greg Funderburg, ULGC Marketing director, served as master of ceremonies for the event. Pastor Gary Hathaway of Greater Tucker Missionary Baptist Church delivered the invocation, while soloist Tiffany Coleman performed Lift Every Voice and Sing.
“We help people understand that when you step into the Urban League’s doors, there’s this word called empowerment, right,” Johnson explained. “We want people to come looking for opportunity, but to leave empowered, to be able to choose the quality of life that they would like to live.”
As the Urban League’s largest annual fundraiser, the EOD Breakfast not only celebrates achievements, but also generates crucial support for the organization’s programs and operations.
The proceeds directly contribute to ULGC’s mission of enabling African Americans, other ethnic minorities, and disadvantaged individuals to achieve economic self-reliance, parity, power and civil rights. To learn more, call (423) 756-1762, or visit www.ulchatt.net.
