By Ericka Alston Buck
Special to the AFRO
On Saturday, Nov. 9, Baltimore’s elite gathered at the Convention Center Hilton Hotel to celebrate a momentous occasion: the 100th anniversary of the Greater Baltimore Urban League (GBUL).
The evening, themed “A Century of Impact, A Future of Promise,” marked a century of GBUL’s relentless dedication to advancing the social, economic and political equity of Baltimore’s Black community. The gala brought together community leaders, public officials and supporters.
The night began with a lively cocktail hour from 6 to 7 p.m., offering guests a chance to connect before the awards program. Guests, including prominent Baltimore figures and dignitaries, were welcomed by the evening’s charismatic hosts, Frank Ski and Kai Reed.
Ricky Smith, chairman of the GBUL Board of Directors, opened the program with a heartfelt greeting, highlighting GBUL’s enduring mission and the organization’s vision for its next century. He acknowledged that while significant strides have been made, barriers to economic, social and political advancement for African Americans remain.
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Dr. Benjamin Chavis, president of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, addresses the crowd. (Photo courtesy of the Baltimore City Office of the Mayor / J.J. McQueen)
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Coby Smith, president of the Greater Baltimore Leadership Association (GBLA), speaks on behalf of the young professionals affiliated with Greater Baltimore Urban League, where he sits on the board of directors. (Photo courtesy of the Baltimore City Office of the Mayor / J.J. McQueen)
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Ricky D. Smith is chair, executive director and CEO of Baltimore/Washington Thurgood Marshall Airport. Smith is a member of the GBUL Board of Directors. (Photo courtesy of the Baltimore City Office of the Mayor / J.J. McQueen)
“As we launch a new century – ‘A Future of Promise,’ we are guided by our new 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, entitled ‘Legacy Reimagined.’ Through this plan, GBUL will harness the foundation that comes with 100 years of service to our community.”
Since its founding in 1924, the Greater Baltimore Urban League has been an essential force for change. It was originally chartered as the Baltimore Urban League by Rev. Peter Ainslie and community leaders who sought to improve job opportunities and living conditions for Baltimore’s Black residents. Today, GBUL continues to fulfill that mission with programs like its Workforce Development initiative, the Raymond V. Haysbert Center for Entrepreneurship and youth-focused programs. The organization offers everything from job readiness workshops to college preparation and support for business development.
The awards ceremony honored individuals who have made significant contributions to the community and embodied the values of GBUL. Among the honorees were P. David Bramble of MCB Real Estate; Sylvia and Eddie Brown of Brown Capital Management and GBUL Chief Development Officer, Jennifer Wicks, who took home the Rising Star Award.
A particularly moving moment was the presentation of the Beverly and Howard Henderson Impactful Couple Award to Governor Wes Moore and First Lady Dawn Flythe Moore, whose public service has inspired countless residents across the city and state.
The Whitney M. Young Jr. Award was presented to former Morgan State University President Dr. Earl S. Richardson; Baltimore Banner Managing Editor Andrea K. McDaniels; President of the Greater Maryland division of Bank of America, Janet Currie, and W. Drew Hawkins,founder of Edyoucore Sports and Entertainment. The awardees were recognized for their dedication to advancing equality and justice in the Baltimore region. Dr. Edwin Green Jr. received the President’s Award.
Perhaps the night’s most anticipated announcement was the unveiling of Tykia Warden as the new CEO of GBUL. Chairman Ricky Smith introduced her with excitement and pride, highlighting her extensive experience in nonprofit management and fundraising. Warden, who previously served as vice president of Institutional Relations at the NAACP, brings over 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership. Her background in securing funding and expanding partnerships promises a bright future for GBUL as it continues its mission to support Baltimore’s Black community.
After the formal program, the excitement crescendoed with a live performance by Tony! Toni! Toné! Their soulful R&B hits filled the ballroom, as guests enjoyed the classic sounds that have been part of the cultural heartbeat for decades. As the final notes of the performance rang out, the ballroom transformed into an energetic after-party led by DJ 5star. From 10:30 p.m. to 1 a.m., guests danced the night away, celebrating not only GBUL’s past accomplishments but also the promise of its future impact.
With a beautifully prepared menu featuring slow-cooked beef short rib, rockfish, a pear salad, and a dessert of rich carrot and chocolate mousse cakes, the evening was a feast for both the palate and the spirit. The gala embodied GBUL’s mission of empowerment, resilience and community.
For 100 years, the organization has fought to dismantle systemic barriers, and with the unveiling of its new strategic plan, “Legacy Reimagined,” it is poised to tackle the next century with the same tenacity and vision.
As guests departed in the early morning hours, there was a palpable sense of pride and hope. The Greater Baltimore Urban League’s Centennial Gala was not only a celebration of history but also a powerful reminder that with community support, dedication, and visionary leadership, a brighter, more equitable future is within reach.
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