Memphis Urban League Youth Summer Academy Enrollment Now Open

May 12, 2025- The Memphis Urban League Youth Summer Academy is a four-week paid program for high school students, focusing on job readiness and professional skills. 

Each participant will undergo comprehensive training in soft skills and job readiness to bridge the substantial gap in employability skills among young individuals in underserved communities. The Memphis Urban League intends to equip youth with the necessary capabilities to enter the workforce confidently and competently through dedicated instruction in communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and professional conduct. Participants will also be able to select from various career tracks. 

They will receive specialized education and training in their selected track, providing the foundation needed for their future careers. Some of the tracks include real estate, accounting, and technology.

Interested applicants can be the first to learn more about this program by completing the interest form online at memul.org/youth-summer-academy. 

The deadline to apply is May 20th; the program start date is June 2nd, 2025. 

Memphis Urban League Thanks You

We are thrilled to share the success of the recent Memphis Urban League (MUL) Mardi Gras Gala, where we had the privilege of honoring those who truly embody the spirit of service, leadership, and empowerment within the Memphis community.

The gala not only celebrated the remarkable contributions of these individuals and organizations but also brought together a vibrant tapestry of supporters who believe in our mission.

We are immensely grateful to all our sponsors, the event committee, musicians, performers, and volunteers whose generous support and collaboration ensured that the gala was a memorable and auspicious occasion. Your commitment helps us continue our work in empowering and uplifting our community, and we look forward to future opportunities to celebrate and collaborate.

Read more about our honorees below, and don’t forget to scroll through the event gallery on Facebook. While you’re there, like and follow our page.

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Man of the Movement – Recognizing a male leader for his community impact and who fosters social and economic empowerment, civil rights, and social justice through leadership, advocacy, and community service. 

Apostle Ricky Floyd, Senior Lead Pastor of Pursuit of God Transformation Center 

Fred Dorse, President of Dorse and Associates

Woman of the Movement – Honoring a female leader for her community impact and who fosters social and economic empowerment, civil rights, and social justice through leadership, advocacy, and community service. 

Tomeka Hart Wigginton, President & CEO of the United Way of the Mid-South

Young Professional Rising Star – Celebrating a young professional (under 40) who has shown exceptional promise in leadership, service, and impact within the MULYP (Memphis Urban League Young Professionals) and the broader community. 

Jasmine Bowden, Program Manager at the Black Chamber of Memphis

Corporate Citizenship Award— Recognizes companies that have significantly contributed to the success of the Memphis Urban League through collaboration, sponsorships, and community support which fosters economic opportunities within communities. 

Evangeline Parker-Guest, Sr. Manager External Affairs for Comcast

Keith Turbett, Community Development Manager at First Horizon Bank

Willie Gregory, Sr. Director, Community
Relations at Nike.

MUL Impact & Excellence Award – Honoring a student or business that has participate in one of the Memphis Urban League’s programs, demonstrating outstanding commitment
and impact.

Ima Ndon, graduate of the Memphis Urban League Business Entrepreneurship Training Accelerator (BETA) Program and local business owner

Community Champion Philanthropy Award – Recognizing an individual whose generosity and dedication have made significant contributions to our community through philanthropy and service as well as supporting the Memphis Urban League’s mission. 

Bill Townsend, Entrepreneur and Developer

Memphis Urban League to honor Community Impact at Mardi Gras Gala

Memphis, Tenn. – The Memphis Urban League (MUL) is pleased to honor individuals and organizations that embody the spirit of service, leadership, and empowerment in the Memphis
community during the MUL Mardi Gras Gala. This event is on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 6 – 10 p.m. at 126 Beale Street, which is formerly the Hard Rock Café. Tickets can be purchased online at memul.org/mardi-gras or on Eventbrite.

These prestigious awards honor those who have made a lasting impact through advocacy, innovation, and collaboration within the Urban League Movement. The 2025 categories and recipients are:

Man of the Movement – Recognizing a male leader for his community impact and who fosters social and economic empowerment, civil rights, and social justice through leadership, advocacy, and community service. 

Apostle Ricky Floyd, Senior Lead Pastor of Pursuit of God Transformation Center and Fred Dorse, President of Dorse and Associates

Woman of the Movement – Honoring a female leader for her community impact and who fosters social and economic empowerment, civil rights, and social justice through leadership, advocacy, and community service. 

Tomeka Hart Wigginton, President & CEO of the United Way of the Mid-South

Young Professional Rising Star – Celebrating a young professional (under 40) who has shown exceptional promise in leadership, service, and impact within the MULYP (Memphis Urban League Young Professionals) and the broader community. 

Jasmine Bowden, Program Manager at the Black Chamber of Memphis

Corporate Citizenship Award— Recognizes companies that have significantly contributed to the success of the Memphis Urban League through collaboration, sponsorships, and community support which fosters economic opportunities within communities. 

Evangeline Parker-Guest, Sr. Manager External Affairs for Comcast; Keith Turbett, Community Development Manager at First Horizon Bank; and Willie Gregory, Sr. Director, Community
Relations at Nike.

MUL Impact & Excellence Award – Honoring a student or business that has participate in one of the Memphis Urban League’s programs, demonstrating outstanding commitment
and impact.

Ima Ndon, graduate of the Memphis Urban League Business Entrepreneurship Training Accelerator (BETA) Program and local business owner

Community Champion Philanthropy Award – Recognizing an individual whose generosity and dedication have made significant contributions to our community through philanthropy and service as well as supporting the Memphis Urban League’s mission. 

Bill Townsend, Entrepreneur and Developer

In addition to recognizing these community servants, attendees will be entertained by
performances from local singer Gerald Richardson and his band, as well as saxophonist Mark Baker. Guests will also be treated to substantial hors d’oeuvres and granted complimentary access to the Memphis Music Hall of Fame.

The Mardi Gras Gala is made possible by the generous support of sponsors, including Nike, Comcast, Memphis Tourism, the Antonio Parkinson Project, Tami Sawyer (Shelby County
General Sessions Court), and Baptist Memorial Hospital and Health Care Services. Gala proceeds will fund MUL’s programs in economic empowerment, education, and advocacy for
underserved communities.

Memphis Urban League’s Mardi Gras Gala Celebrates Community Empowerment on Beale Street

The Memphis Urban League invites you to "Let the Good Times Roll" at the MUL Mardi Gras Gala while supporting its mission to empower communities. The event is scheduled for
Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 6 – 10 p.m. at 126 Beale Street, formerly the Hard Rock Café. Tickets can be purchased online at memul.org/mardi-gras or on Eventbrite.

This festive evening will feature live entertainment, including performances by Gerald Richardson and his band and the
energetic DJ sounds from Mark Baker. Guests will also indulge in heavy hors d’oeuvres and enjoy complimentary access to the Memphis Music Hall of Fame.

The Mardi Gras Gala is made possible through sponsors’ generous support, including Nike, Comcast, Memphis Tourism, and
Baptist Memorial Hospital and Healthcare Services.

For more information, please visit memul.org or call (901) 272-2491. Gala proceeds will fund MUL’s programs in economic empowerment, education, and advocacy for underserved communities.