I’m just getting to know the Austin Area Urban League. Of course, I was aware of the group’s leadership during the fight for civil rights. But I didn’t know its origins in finding work for African Americans or its current labors on education, health and housing for all who are underserved.
Larry A. Thomas and Jessica Faith Carter
Over the past few years, I’ve come to admire — and find myself amazed by — its current board leader, Gregory Vincent, also a vice president at the University of Texas, where the Urban League gala took place. I’m impressed by the group’s president, William “Teddy” McDaniel III, and its head of young leaders, Virginia Cumberbatch. More on them at a later date.
Angela Dusk and Virginia Cumberbatch
Last week’s dinner — and yes, I’m way behind on my social reporting this time of year — at the AT&T Center was formal without being stiff. I was able to scuttle around and meet various folks, even during the dinner. Yet the speeches weren’t bad either.
Norman and LaVonne Mason
The League gave out two awards, one to Seton, the other to UT President William “Bill” Powers Jr.. He spoke with precision and passion about diversity, so much so one could hear his personal arguments were he to address the U.S. Supreme Court during its hearings on the university’s affirmative action case.
Talk about guys I’ve learned to admire. President Larry Faulkner was a hard act to follow, especially given his attention to the arts. But every passing month, Powers does something that makes me proud to wear burnt orange and to dust off that ol’ doctoral diploma stamped “Texas.”