Urban League Hosts 16th Annual Salute to Women Gala Honoring Jenifer Lewis, Regina Belle, Bernadette Stanis
On June 15, the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis (St. Louis, MO) honored 16 distinguished women in leadership before an audience of over 1,000 at a black-tie reception, dinner and concert at the Salute to Women in Leadership Gala at the Marriott St. Louis Grand Hotel. World Wide Technology, Wells Fargo and Centene Corporation served as the title sponsors at the event which showered the honorees with several amazing awards, gifts and accolades.
The program was emceed by Fox 2 News’ Shirley Washington, with Urban League President & CEO Dr. Michael P. McMillan bringing remarks and special presentations from Lion’s Choice and Maryville University and Richard Gant, of the Oprah Winfrey Network’s “Greenleaf” show, serving as the official announcer of the awardees. At the event, Dr. McMillan announced that the Urban League has received a donation of a restaurant facility from Lion’s Choice which will be converted into a community culinary school for residents. In addition, Margaret Onken, vice president for development of Maryville University announced they will donate $30,000 to support the Urban League for the Intel Academy and Save Our Sisters programs.
This year’s honored guests included Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Jenifer Lewis, a local legend and one of Hollywood’s most familiar faces, with more than 300 appearances in film and television including memorable roles in “Blackish”, “What’s Love Got to Do with It” and “The Preacher’s Wife.” At the event, Lewis gave an inspirational acceptance speech where she reminisced about growing up in Kinloch, encouraged millennials to get out to vote and advocated for physical fitness.