The Columbia Urban League hosted its 58th Annual Fund Campaign Dinner on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds. This signature fundraising event brought together business leaders, community partners and advocates for an evening dedicated to advancing economic empowerment and opportunity for underserved individuals and families across the Midlands.
This year’s theme, “Character, Education & Workforce Development: A Pathway to Economic Well-Being,” highlighted the Columbia Urban League’s continued commitment to creating pathways toward self-reliance through education and workforce development initiatives enabling recipients to become productive and contributing members of society.
The evening began with a reception at 6 {: } 0 0 \mathrm { p. m. } , followed by a keynote dinner at 7:00 PM featuring remarks from Mr. Keller Kissam, President of Dominion Energy South Carolina. Kissam’s career journey epitomized our theme.
This year’s program was dedicated to James L. Solomon, Jr., humanitarian, civil rights icon and former chairman of the Columbia Urban League Board.
Guests enjoyed music, dinner and an inspiring program that celebrated community trailblazers who embody the spirit of empowerment and progress.
This year’s honorees and award recipients were:
- President’s Award – Chief Aubrey Jenkins, Chief William H. “Skip” Holbrook
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Pinnacle Award – Ms. A’ja Wilson
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Virgil C. Summers Corporate Citizen Award presented by Dominion Energy – Ms. Elizabeth Nkuo Johnson,