Young, Black, and Ambitious: A Weekend of Leadership, Service, and Celebration

The Metropolitan Board of the Chicago Urban League’s 2025 Young, Black, and Ambitious Weekend brought together dynamic leaders for three days of purpose-driven connection, impact, and celebration. With attendees representing young professional chapters from Gary, Indianapolis, Madison, Milwaukee, Louisville, and Louisiana, the weekend reflected the strength of our network. During Saturday’s service initiative, MetroBoard distributed over 60 hygiene kits and four pallets of groceries—generously provided by Touch Gift Foundation Lov’N the Streetz Outreach—to community members, including enthusiastic seniors at Rosenwald Courts.

The Chicago Urban League’s Housing and Financial Empowerment team, Office of Representative Du Buclet, and South Side Healthy Community provided community resources. Leftover food was donated to the office of Kam Buckner to support their upcoming initiatives. Our signature Young & Ambitious Awards brunch honored eight inspiring individuals: Teirra Scott (Community Changemaker), Arika Linton (Education Trailblazer), Taylor Beale King (Visionary Entrepreneur), Jaylin McClinton (Bold Advocate), Justin Dortch & Angelica London (Arts Innovators), and Jeff Beckham & Keona Owens (Distinguished Alum). The weekend also raised funds to sustain the impactful work of the Chicago Urban League and MetroBoard (total pending). Special thanks to NULYP President Tyler Litt and Central Region VP Kurt Rose for their powerful presence and support.

Thank you to sponsors of the event: Molson Coors, Ulta Beauty Charitable Foundation, Mercer Insurance Agency, and the Whitmor Group.