50 years of unyielding strength
50th Anniversary
Join us in celebrating 50 years of unyielding strength and lasting impact as we commemorate half a century of service and look ahead to a future filled with growth and innovation.
As we reflect on this extraordinary journey, we honor the remarkable achievements we’ve made together. Yet, our work is far from finished. We remain committed to building a future grounded in equity, empathy, and opportunity for all.
This milestone isn’t just a celebration; it’s a call to action.
To honor the legacy of the past and shape a stronger future,
we invite you to contribute today. Your support will help us continue expanding our programs, sustaining our mission, and driving even greater impact for the next 50 years and beyond.
MAKE AN IMPACT
Together, we have the power to create an even greater impact over the next 50 years.
Join us in this milestone by making a gift that will drive lasting change, inspire hope, and empower transformation for generations to come.
NOTABLE EVENTS
JANUARY
MLK Day Service Project
January 20, 2025—Quad County Urban League
The Quad County Urban League partnering with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. to craft no-sew blankets for the NICU at Rush Copley Hospital, bringing warmth and comfort to the tiniest fighters.
FEBRUARY
TSTM Annual Black History Month Pancake Breakfast
February 8, 2025—Prisco Center
The TSTM Pancake Breakfast is a fun community event that brings people together for a morning of delicious food, good company, and Black History. All proceeds support the TSTM & Project Ready Program. It’s a perfect chance to enjoy a tasty breakfast while connecting with others and supporting a great cause! Tickets are available for purchase, so be sure to grab yours—adults are $20, and kids (12 and under) are $10.
February 22, 2025—Cathedral of Grace|St. John
This HBCU College Experience, affectionately known as the HBCU Plunge aims to bring together students, educators, and the community to celebrate the rich legacy of
Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
This is your chance to:
· Learn about HBCUs and what they offer
· Network with representatives and alumni
· Get inspired for the next steps in your educational journey
Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend! Let’s make this a family event as we celebrate the power of education and opportunities for our youth.
MARCH
March 21, 2025—Chicago Marriott Naperville
Where inspiring leaders, visionaries, and changemakers come together to ignite passion, foster connections, and empower women to break barriers. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, personally, or simply be part of a supportive community, this summit offers invaluable insights and opportunities to thrive.
APRIL
April 12, 2025—Cathedral of Grace|St. John
The Musicians' Green Book Exhibit highlights the experiences of Black musicians during segregation, focusing on the "Green Book," a travel guide that helped African Americans find safe, welcoming places while touring. The exhibit features artifacts, images, and multimedia, showcasing the network of support the guide provided for Black artists and their resilience in the face of adversity. It honors the legacy of these musicians and the vital role the "Green Book" played in facilitating their travel and performances during a difficult time in history.
JULY
50th Year Anniversary Open House
July 14, 2025—Quad County Urban League
This milestone event highlights the organization's rich history, its dedicated staff, and the numerous programs that have made a lasting impact, from job training and educational support to health initiatives and advocacy for equity. Attendees will learn about the League's journey, from its early days to its current state as a vital community resource, and witness the transformative work that continues to uplift generations.
Youth Leadership Summit
July 16-19, 2025—Cleveland,OH
The Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) is an empowering event hosted by the National Urban League, where youth from across the country come together to build community, learn leadership skills, and engage in impactful discussions. The summit brings over 350 participants for five days of collaborative learning and growth. The summit emphasized youth leadership, with participants leading sessions, hosting events, and producing the YLS newsletter
August
Garden Party & Dinner Honoring
Marie Wilkinson
August 9, 2025—Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry
Honoring the enduring legacy of our founder, Marie Wilkinson. The event will be held at the Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry, celebrating her remarkable impact on the community.
Back-2-School Kick Off
TBD
The Quad County Urban League's Back-2-School Kick-Off is designed to help prepare children for the upcoming school year. This will provide free services for students, including haircuts and styles. The goal is to ensure that kids start the school year feeling confident and ready, with fresh looks for the new school year.
OCTOBER
50th Year Anniversary Annual Equality Gala
October 25, 2025—The Westin Chicago Lombard
The Quad County Urban League's annual Equality Gala is a prestigious event that celebrates and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in the community. The Equality Gala serves as a fundraiser to support the Urban League's initiatives, which focus on empowering underserved communities through education, workforce development, and advocacy. It's an evening of inspiration, recognition, and community solidarity, highlighting the League’s ongoing efforts to create equal opportunities for all.