Leadership is Power and Brotherhood Crusade’s 2024 Pioneer of African American Achievement Award Dinner was exactly that.
The room was filled with amazing and powerful leaders to acknowledge and support this year’s honoree SEIU President April Verrett.
As Charisse Bremond Weaver, president and CEO of the Brotherhood Crusade said, “April had an incredible journey, being raised by her grandmother who taught her perseverance, collective action and love for community.”
Verrett received the Bremond/Bakewell award, which represents the pride, power, leadership and courage of individuals and organizations whose achievements and goals exemplify the spirit and strength of those who break down barriers, not for personal gain, but to provide a foothold for all to strive toward economic, social, political and moral justice.
The 1000 guests, represented by corporate, foundation, city and state representatives, philanthropic entities and private citizens, filled the Fairmont Century Plaza ballroom.
Bremond Weaver stated, “We thank all of you for your support of the 3,000 students we serve and the 20,000 plus community members that we impact. Together we will continue this work and invest in our communities because everyone should have the opportunity to live with dignity, equity and care.”
Brotherhood Crusade youth De’Ontay Everett was exemplary as he spoke about spaces being created for him to learn and grow.
In his speech that evening, he said, “Thank you for being a beacon of hope and for tirelessly pushing to ensure young people like me have a chance to succeed. You have shaped my journey, and I am proud to carry forward the legacy of the work of the Brotherhood Crusade.”
According to one attendee, “This was an incredible evening to celebrate April Verrett and her accomplishments and the champions in the room that helped facilitate growth with constant solidarity and support.
“Verrett brings ambitious vision, courageous leadership and a life experience that fuels her unshakeable belief in the power to make change when we come together.”
Bremond-Weaver also extended special thanks to the event sponsors. Platinum sponsors included Comerica, JP Morgan Chase, Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, Southwest Airlines, Spectrum, and U.S. Bank.
Diamond partners were AEG, AFSCME United Domestic Workers, Airbnb, Bank of America, BMO, California Community Foundation, Capital One, City National Bank, Chick-Fil-A, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, LeadersUp, Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, Los Angeles Lakers, Northern Trust, SEIU2015, SoCalGas, The Berry Gordy Foundation For Truth And Justice, Wells Fargo, and Western States Regional Council of Carpenters.
Gold sponsors were Amazon, Arnold Hackett, AT&T, CAM Foundation, Celeste Alleyne, Community Builders Group, CSUEU-CSEA/SEIU Local, Dakota Communications, 2nd District Supervisor Holly Mitchell, Ivie McNeill Wyatt Purcell & Diggs, JGM, Kaiser Permanente, L.A. Cares Health Plan, Los Angeles Chargers, Los Angeles Department of Water & Power, Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles World Airports, L.A. Council President Marqueece Harris Dawson,
Mervyn M. Dymally African American Political & Economic Institution/California State Dominquez Hills, Nielsen, Sandra Evers-Manly, SEIU 721, SEIU, SEIU-UHW, Southern California Edison, SMS Transportation, Stewart Manhattan, Inc., The Castillo Charitable Foundation, Torrey Pines Bank, University of Southern California Civic Engagement and Economic Partnerships, WAYMO, and Webb Enterprises.
Silver sponsors included Accenture, Butterfli, Community Coalition, Dawn Reese, Los Angeles Urban League, Los Angeles Community College District, Play Equity Fund, SEIU 221, SEIU State Council, St. John Well Child’s Family Center, Susana Sandoval, Assemblymember Tina McKinnor, and Wasserman Foundation.
To learn more, visit www.brotherhoodcrusade.org.
