Urban League ‘Rise Up’ Anniversary Celebration to Ignite Community Empowerment

After a five-year hiatus, the Urban League of Springfield’s (Springfield, MA) signature fundraising event is back in person, bringing the community together for an evening of celebration, impact, and renewed energy. The Rise Up Anniversary Celebration taking place on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at the MassMutual Center, will mark the organization’s 112th anniversary with an elevated elegant experience designed to honor the changemakers who embody its mission.

The keynote speaker, Danielle R. Holley, is the twentieth president of Mount Holyoke College. She is a noted legal scholar and educator. Holley served as Dean of the School of Law at Howard University (2014 – 2023) prior to joining Mount Holyoke. She holds a B.A. from Yale University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Holley also previously served as a law clerk to Judge Carl E. Stewart on the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

The event will shine a spotlight on this year’s Community Builder Awardees, individuals who have risen through the Urban League’s programs and now lead efforts in healthcare, civic engagement, youth empowerment, and economic equity:

● Ashley Bogle, Health New England – Health and Wellness Hero
● LaMar Cook, Office of Governor Healey – Civic Engagement Champion
● Dr. Kiyota Garcia, Springfield Technical Community College – Youth Empowerment Leader
● Anthony Moore, Black Economic Council of Massachusetts (BECMA) – Wealth Access Advocate
● Jessica Collins, Public Health Institute of Western MA – Inclusion Luminary
● Dr. Frank Robinson – Lifetime of Impact Award

The evening will also include a special acknowledgment of former President and CEO, Henry M. Thomas, III, for his decades of service.

“This event is more than just a celebration—it’s a testament to the power of resilience and collective action,” said Yvette Frisby, President and CEO of the Urban League of Springfield. “We are thrilled to welcome our community back in person and celebrate those who have dedicated themselves to making Springfield stronger, more equitable, and more empowered.”

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