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.