Urban League of the Upstate

06/20/2026

06/20/2026

Thank you Mayor Rice! Today more than 200 film makers from will be in Spartanburg for the award ceremony of The 48 Hour Film Project South Carolina. Part of our workforce development initiative to support the importance of a diverse film, television and entertainment ecosystem. Our stories matter happy Juneteenth.
Thank you, South Carolina film commission, the national Urban League, the city of Spartanburg, Wofford College, and Spartanburg Juneteenth 

06/20/2026

As Juneteenth comes to a close, we reflect with gratitude, pride, and hope on a day filled with celebration, connection, service, and empowerment across the Upstate.

From Greenville to Spartanburg to Anderson, the Urban League of the Upstate was honored to stand alongside our communities as we commemorated the significance of Juneteenth—a day that reminds us not only of freedom gained, but of the continued responsibility we share to create opportunity, equity, and justice for all.

Today, we celebrated history through storytelling, promoted wellness through community engagement, uplifted future leaders, and strengthened partnerships that help move our mission forward each and every day.

We extend our deepest appreciation to our President & CEO, Dr. Gail Wilson Awan, whose unwavering leadership, vision, and commitment continue to advance the Urban League mission throughout the Upstate. Her dedication inspires our team and helps create meaningful change in the lives of those we serve.

We are equally grateful for our incredible Board of Directors whose guidance, support, and advocacy help make our work possible. A special thank you goes to our Board Chair, Pastor Stacey D. Mills, whose powerful and inspiring message at this evening’s Dream Gala had the audience energized, empowered, and ready to take action. His words reminded us all that honoring our past must be accompanied by investing in our future.

This evening, the Jane Edna Hunter Empowerment Center proudly served as the Presenting Sponsor of the African American Leadership Society’s Dream Gala in Anderson. Representing the Urban League of the Upstate were our Chief Operating Officer, Ms. Kim Arnold; Senior Advisor, Dr. E.J. Anderson; Jane Edna Hunter Empowerment Center Director, Dr. Ankoma Anderson; and Special Projects Manager, Maria Arnold. Together, they joined community leaders, partners, and friends for an evening dedicated to honoring our past, strengthening our present, and investing in our future.

We also celebrate our team in Spartanburg, where the Urban League of the Upstate was honored with the Spartanburg Juneteenth Inc. 2026 Nonprofit Organization of the Year Award. Accepted by our President & CEO, Dr. Gail Wilson Awan, alongside members of our Board of Directors, this recognition reflects the impact of our mission and the collective commitment of those who work every day to strengthen communities across the Upstate.

Today was more than a celebration. It was a reminder that when we come together, we create opportunities, build stronger communities, and continue the work of those who came before us.

As we close this Juneteenth, may we carry forward the lessons of resilience, the spirit of unity, and the responsibility to build a future where every person has the opportunity to thrive.

❤️ Honoring Our Past.
🖤 Celebrating Our Freedom.
💚 Building Our Future.

Thank you, Upstate. We are stronger because of you.

06/20/2026

On behalf of the Urban League of the Upstate, I am privileged to accept the Spartanburg Juneteenth Inc. 2026 Nonprofit Organization of the Year award alongside our Board of Directors members, advancing the mission of The National Urban League model in our region. Urban League of the Upstate Spartanburg Juneteenth Inc. The National Urban League

06/19/2026

What a remarkable Juneteenth celebration across the Upstate!

Today began at Unity Park in Greenville, where community members gathered to honor the history, significance, and enduring impact of Juneteenth. We were incredibly proud to see our very own Dr. E.J. Anderson serve as a speaker, sharing an inspiring message that reminded us of the importance of honoring our past while continuing the work of building a brighter future.

Our Special Projects Manager, Maria Arnold, was also on hand alongside our Summer Intern, Tyler Pool of Furman University. Before the day’s programming began, it was wonderful to connect and fellowship with many friends and supporters of the Urban League of the Upstate. We were also grateful to have our Prisma Health Mobile partners present, providing valuable health resources and free blood pressure checks to community members throughout the event.

Later in the afternoon, Maria joined our seniors at Gandy Allmon Manor for a special Juneteenth Storytelling Lunch. We had the honor of welcoming Mrs. Yvonne Reeder, who shared powerful stories and reflections that took us on a journey through history, celebrating where we’ve been while inspiring hope for where we’re going. The room was filled with laughter, treasured memories, heartfelt conversations, and even a few tears as we reflected on the experiences that have shaped our community.

Thus far, it has been an incredible day for the Urban League of the Upstate—but we’re not finished yet!

Tonight, our President & CEO heads to Spartanburg, where the Urban League of the Upstate will be honored as the recipient of the Non-Profit of the Year Award at the Spartanburg Juneteenth Gala. We wish our Spartanburg team a wonderful evening as they celebrate this incredible accomplishment and the impact of their work throughout our region.

Meanwhile, in Anderson, members of our team will join the African American Leadership Society for their Dream Gala. Alongside our friends and partners, the Jane Edna Hunter Empowerment Center looks forward to an evening dedicated to honoring our past, strengthening our present, and investing in our future.

Today has been a beautiful reminder of what is possible when communities come together to celebrate history, promote wellness, uplift one another, and invest in the next generation.

❤️ Honoring our Past.
🖤 Celebrating our Freedom.
💚 Inspiring our Future.

06/19/2026

06/19/2026

Today, we honor the resilience, strength, and enduring spirit of those who fought for freedom and justice.

Juneteenth marks a pivotal moment in American history—the day the last enslaved African Americans learned of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. It is a time to reflect on our shared history, celebrate progress, and recommit ourselves to building a future rooted in equity, opportunity, and empowerment for all.

As we celebrate this day, let us remember that freedom is not only something to commemorate, but something to protect, expand, and ensure for future generations.

Happy Juneteenth from the Urban League of the Upstate.

❤️ Honoring our past.
🖤 Celebrating our freedom.
💚 Inspiring our future.

06/17/2026

11 years ago today, nine Black members of the Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church in Charleston, SC were murdered in a horrific act of racist violence during Bible study

We remember and honor their lives, mourn the loss felt by their loved ones and community, and reaffirm our commitment to confronting hate wherever it exists.

Their memory continues to inspire the fight for justice, equity, and a nation free from racial violence.

🙏🏽 Cynthia Hurd
🙏🏽 Susie Jackson
🙏🏽 Ethel Lance
🙏🏽 Depayne Middleton-Doctor
🙏🏽 Tywanza Sanders
🙏🏽 Rev. Daniel Simmons
🙏🏽 Rev. Sharonda Coleman-Singleton
🙏🏽 Myra Thompson
🙏🏽 Rev. Clementa C. Pinckney