Los Angeles Urban League Official Centennial Kick Off Celebration

On a perfect Friday afternoon in Los Angeles, friends, partners, sponsors, staff and passersby converge on Leimert Park Village at All Chill Hip-Hop Ice Cream to celebrate the 100th birthday of the Los Angeles Urban League (Los Angeles, CA) on the date of the founding exactly 100 years later. June 18, 1921 is a significant day in the Los Angeles Urban League (LAUL) 100 years history. On this day 100 years ago, the Tuskegee Industrial Welfare League merged with the National Urban League and created the Los Angeles Urban League.

The LAUL tents and music from KJLH and DJ DeVoux were the perfect draw to help participants locate the community birthday celebration and ice cream social held at the new Black and woman-owned, All Chill Hip Hop Ice Cream shop on 43rd Place, in Leimert Park Plaza. Upon arrival, every guest received a Centennial Swag Bag with a ticket to get free ice cream. Guests also received lots of goodies from AIDS Healthcare Foundation who came in force along with their CEO, Michael Weinstein, who has been an instrumental partner to the current leadership team. There was dancing in the streets and a fun photo booth where guests stood on a stage platform and created a personalized LAUL branded video.

However, the highlight of the afternoon was the reconnecting and gathering of staff, supporters, LAUL Guild members, LAUL Young Professionals, beloved former staff, program participants and the community at large who have not been able to convene in person for 15 months. It felt like a family reunion.

President and CEO Michael Lawson began his remarks, “Happy Juneteenth! Although it’s our birthday, we’re here to celebrate and thank all of you.” He thanked the Centennial Co-Chairs Baron Davis, Gregory Annenberg and Dina Leeds. Next, he acknowledged Centennial Presenting Sponsor CIT for making this event possible and named all of the Centennial partners who have contributed to supporting all of the Centennial events and the organization. COO Brian Williams thanked and introduced the staff and consults and several were meeting each other for the first time in person. There was a surprise gift presentation to staff member Bonnie Thomas-Jeter for her 30-year anniversary at the LA Urban League. She also worked for the National Urban League for six years. She received a beautiful plaque and spa day. Bonnie was shocked that she was on the planning committee but didn’t know about the surprise. 

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