It's never too hot in H-Town to throw a cool black-tie event, just ask the 800-plus partygoers who turned out in high summer style for the Houston Area Urban League's 45th annual Equal Opportunity Day gala at the Hilton Americas-Houston.
With a heavy-hitter roster of honorees and generous corporate support, the evening proved that gala success is possible even in late June as the tally for proceeds surpassed $500,000. The evening honored Darryl King, former HAUL board chairman and CEO of the Principle Partnering Group, for his commitment to cultivating long-term strategies towards eliminating racism and economic injustice. He received the Whitney M. Young Humanitarian Award.
Also taking bows as honorees were Mark Thierry, Marathon Oil, BMC Software and the Port of Houston Authority. Stepping up the power play were the evening's honorary chairs, John Hofmeister, Crystal Ashby, Tracy Faulkner, Harry Johnson and Kase Lawal.
The tony crowd included HAUL CEO Judson Robinson III, State Rep. Sylvester Turner, mayoral candidate Ben Hall, Jodie Jiles, Pamela and Baley Davis, Cedric Harris and Sherri Smith, Drs. Christina and Michael Davidson, Nicole Thierry, Vernita Harris, Sherman Lewis III and Veronica and Eric Goodie.
Harry Jefferson, from left, John Hofmeister, Crystal Ashby, Darryl King, Judson Robinson III and Morris Clark at the Houston Area Urban League Gala.
