Greater Washington Urban League

The Whitney M. Young Jr. Gala Presented by Giant Food is just around the corner, and we have BREAKING NEWS! We are thrilled to announce our 2025 Whitney M. Young Gala Honorees. This is an exclusive opportunity to be in the room as we celebrate these incredible leaders. If you haven't secured your ticket yet, NOW is the time. The honorees for our 2025 Whitney M. Young Gala include: 🏆 Congresswoman Maxine Waters will receive the “Lioness of Justice” Award. 🏆 Karine Jean-Pierre, Former White House Press Secretary who, will receive the “Torchbearer in Communications” Award 🏆 Will Dawkins, General Manager of the Washington Wizards, will be honored with the “Beacon of Grace” Award 🏆 Giant Food will receive the “Wings of Hope” Award Notable speakers at the gala include: Our event host, Jonathan Slocumb Fireside Chat Host, Laura Coates, CNN Chief Legal Analyst & Anchor, MARC MORIAL, President of the National Urban League, ... and more! We invite you to join us on Friday, March 28, at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center to gather and honor those who have demonstrated courage under fire. Let's also celebrate the enduring impact of the Greater Washington Urban League on our community. This is a moment of pride and connection for all of us. Then, we invite you to stick around for the after-party starting at 10 pm, which will be hosted by our young professionals' auxiliary, the Thursday Network - Greater Washington Urban League Young Professionals (see our website for admission details). Don't be the one who missed out! See you on March 28. #courageunderfire #gwulgala25 #gwul365 gwul.org/gala2025/

Homeownership may seem like a far-fetched goal, but there are many resources that make homeownership attainable. Let us show you how you can make your dream of owning a home come true. #financialliteracy #gwul365

Calling all Black food entrepreneurs in the #DMV: Are you ready to take your business from kitchen-ready to shelf-ready? Join the Greater Washington Urban League on April 28 for The Culture Cooler: Vendor Readiness Cohort, a curated opportunity to showcase your culinary talents and position your business for growth. As a featured vendor, your products will be sold on-site at GWUL’s 14th Street headquarters—offering direct customer feedback, high visibility, and access to ongoing support and exposure. Whether you’re a meal prep chef, baker, beverage maker, or snack creator, this program is designed to help you thrive. This initiative is about building sustainable, community-rooted food businesses led by Black entrepreneurs in the DMV. Don’t miss your chance to gain real traction and visibility. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gfF-Yj8W Questions? Email Entrepreneurship360@gwul.org.

Lives are on the line—and we’re calling on sponsors ready to make an impact that lasts a lifetime. Black birthing people deserve care that is not only compassionate but also culturally competent and rooted in equity. At the Greater Washington Urban League, we’re investing in that future through our Black Perinatal Providers Certificate Training, equipping professionals with the tools to address the staggering crisis of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders in our communities. Nearly 50% of Black mothers experience maternal mental health conditions—yet they are half as likely to receive care. That disparity is unacceptable. And solvable. This is where you come in. We’re seeking mission-driven sponsors who believe in transformative community care—who understand that supporting even one provider can shift the outcome for hundreds of lives. This training is a community intervention and each dollar you invest directly supports: - Scholarships for maternal health professionals - Culturally affirming training with renowned experts - Expanded access to mental health care during and after pregnancy Sponsor a provider. Sponsor a future. Sponsor a life. Levels begin at $10,000, with naming opportunities, reception access, on-site engagement, and social media spotlights. Custom packages are available. Let’s change the trajectory of Black maternal health—together. Inquire at: sponsorship@gwul.org Learn more about the program: https://lnkd.in/ecTt9sSq #bmhw25 #birthingblackdmv #gwul365 #callforsponsors #BlackMaternalHealth

Remember, achieving financial freedom and reaching your goals is a journey. Getting started is the most important part. What will you commit to today to help you get closer to your financial goals? GWUL’s Center for Financial Inclusion is here to provide you with support and resources. Reach out and learn more about how we can help. #gwul365

Sound off! We want to hear from you. What steps are you taking to achieve financial success? Tell us in the comments below! #gwul365 #financialliteracymonth

Last year, we had the honor of supporting more than 80 Black health and wellness professionals in completing Postpartum Support International’s 3-day Perinatal Mental Health Certification Training. Why does this matter? Because nearly 50% of Black birthing individuals experience perinatal mental health challenges—yet access to affordable, culturally affirming care remains limited. Too often, our communities are left out of the provider pipeline, resulting in a lack of trusted support during one of the most vulnerable times in a person’s life. By investing in training and certification, we are building a stronger, more representative provider network—one that understands the lived experiences of Black birthing people and is equipped to meet their mental health needs with care and dignity. We are #BirthingBlack, one healthy mind at a time. Special thanks to our training partners: Palladium: Make It Possible, Mary’s Center, and Postpartum Support International Learn more about the requirements and sign up today. https://lnkd.in/ejsGa4Vd #BirthingBlackDMV #gwul365

There are times when we all need some extra support, and public benefits help close the gaps for many U.S. families. Do you know how to access or apply for benefits if needed? What community resources have you found helpful? #gwul365 #financialliteracymonth

Repost from @naturbanleague The Greater Washington Urban League stands in solidarity with the National Urban League in opposing the SAVE Act, a dangerous bill that would make it harder for millions of Americans to vote. The SAVE Act would require voters to show proof of citizenship to register, demanding original citizenship documents and rejecting commonly used IDs like driver’s licenses (even REAL ID), naturalization papers, and military or tribal IDs unless they show your birthplace. TAKE ACTION: Urge your U.S. Representative to vote NO by visiting bit.ly/NoSAVEAct #DemandDiversity #VotingRights

The Greater Washington Urban League’s Center for Financial Inclusion’s Financial Healing Circles provide a safe space to explore your financial journey and emotional well-being, guided by a licensed therapist and financial coach. Our inclusive workshops offer dedicated groups for men and women, creating a supportive environment tailored to your experiences. This transformative weekend empowers you to reclaim hope, take control, and build the wealth and financial legacy you deserve. ✊🏽 To learn more, visit gwul.org #gwul365 #financialliteracymonth #financialwellness