The Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle (ULMS) is set to host its 23rd Annual Breakfast, themed “Era of Essential Service,” on Friday, November 22, at the Seattle Convention Center Summit. Academy Award-nominated and Golden Globe-winning actor, filmmaker, and activist Taraji P. Henson will serve as the keynote speaker for the event. This breakfast is not only a celebration of ULMS’s impact on the community but also a critical fundraiser to support its wide-ranging programs that empower historically underserved populations in Seattle.
“At the base level, our primary goal with this breakfast is to raise the critical funding needed to sustain the direct programs and essential services this agency has been able to provide for well over 90 years,” said Josalyn P. Ford, ULMS Chief Advancement Officer. “Beyond that, the Urban League is dedicated to continue building on our desire to foster a diverse, equitable, and ever-thriving community while keeping the work we do in alignment with both the current and emerging needs of those we serve. Our intention is to set the standard as we make room for others who share in our beliefs to stand with us in advancing the Urban League’s vision and preserving the values at the core of what we do.”
The breakfast is a cornerstone event for the Urban League, highlighting the organization’s commitment to social and economic justice. ULMS focuses on seven key areas: advocacy and civic engagement, education, housing, public health, entrepreneurship support, financial empowerment, and workforce development. These initiatives aim to empower Black and other historically underserved communities, ensuring that all members can thrive through access to essential resources and opportunities.
Last year’s event featured comedian and Emmy award-winning host Trevor Noah, helping ULMS raise nearly $1 million and drawing over 1,400 attendees in what was the largest event at the Westin Seattle since the pandemic. This year, the organization expects an even larger audience, with 2,500 attendees anticipated to attend. Henson’s participation is expected to amplify the event’s impact, leveraging her influence and commitment to community advocacy.
Henson, known for her roles in Hustle & Flow and the hit series Empire, has long been an advocate for mental health and education. In 2018, she launched the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, named after her late father, to address mental health challenges in the African American community. The foundation provides scholarships to African American students majoring in mental health, offers services to youth in urban schools, and works to reduce recidivism rates among African American men and women. Her work with the foundation, along with her Emmy-nominated series Peace of Mind with Taraji, highlights her dedication to fostering awareness and support for mental health issues.
“We selected Taraji because of her courageous approach to keeping the voice of the people first,” said Michelle Merriweather, ULMS President & CEO. “It’s not easy for Black women to achieve the level of success and influence she has amassed over her career. Taraji embodies the spirit of a trusted friend who knows the heartbeat of the community that she’s riding for until the wheels fall off, bringing everyone along with her. The way people gravitate to her essence and take heed of her voice is the same way we strive to be trusted in what we do and say in community.”
In addition to Henson’s keynote, the breakfast will honor several local leaders for their significant contributions to the community. Jon Bridge, Chairman and Counsel Emeritus of Ben Bridge Jewelers, and Nathaniel ‘Nate’ Miles, former Vice President for Strategic Initiatives at Eli Lilly and Company, will receive the Legacy Award for their long-standing service. Ingrid Narcisse, Senior Director of Corporate Partnerships Strategy and Activation for the Seattle Mariners, will receive the President’s Award for her leadership in corporate social responsibility. Charles Davis, community philanthropist and entrepreneur of C. Davis BBQ, will be honored with the Community Coalition Award for his dedication to community support and engagement. The prestigious Edwin T. Pratt Award will go to Joanne Harrell, the First Lady of Seattle and a retired Senior Director of USA Artificial Intelligence, recognizing her exceptional public service and commitment to empowerment.
Tickets for the event, Sponsorship opportunities for local partners and community supporters are all available on the Urban League’s website at urbanleague.org/23rd-annual-breakfast beginning Sept. 4.