On May 10 I went to The Frederick Douglass award ceremony hosted by The Urban League at the Sheraton New York. The ceremony was a great time and place to recognize the efforts of many individuals in the fight for equality. The awards went to many people from various communities and fields who were honored for their endeavors in the fight for equal opportunity. Great minds in areas from charities to music spoke about their accomplishments and how they expect to make the world a better place, with equal chances for the leaders of tomorrow- the youth.

The most famous honoree to attend was Russell Simmons. Simmons is a powerful advocate in the youth movement, as a hip-hop music mogul who helps bring up young talent of color. Simmons says, "Šthat the younger generation has fire in their voices and it needs to be lit and heard".

When I interviewed one of the award recipients, Ms. Ann S. Kheel, she spoke about what the role of The Urban League is. She said, "The Urban League's priority is to reach out to the youth and offer equal opportunity. They have been doing so for many years, because they're in a field that can reach people. They have the power of communication to reach the younger people". Ms. Kheel detailed how The Urban League has set up after school programs and scholarships with the money from fundraisers to help those who deserve to take another step. The Urban League ensures these opportunities equally so people can't be denied the chance they deserve because of their minority status.

Everyone I saw at the banquet worked hard in similar ways to reach a common goal. Ken Miller helped to build a playground for kids who needed the recreation area. When asked how it would be built, Miller got up the next morning to join the work site and helped with his own hands. He mentioned in his acceptance speech that one of the first things he learned about business was this, "if your output is higher than your income than you're up for a downfall". Miller never forgot that lesson. Even though building the park took a lot of sweat and money that he wouldn't gain back, he believed the happiness of the children would be enough.

Reverend Dr. Gardner C. Taylor told me that he was delighted to get the award. I could see his pleasure about getting this award through his humor. Taylor joked, "all the things nice things they said about me tonight are exactly the opposite of what they said about me last night". An introductory speaker complimented the reverend by saying "if you haven't gotten a chance to get to know him you are missing out on meeting one off the greatest speakers in all humanity".

One of Rev. Taylor's most difficult times occurred when the church that he led for so many years burned down. Throughout the whole episode the reverend didn't lose faith. In 1932 The Urban League helped to rebuild the church. Today the reverend still motivates crowds at his church just as strong as years before.

The Frederick Douglass Awards Ceremony gave a taste of the melting pot of many important people. They have and continue to try their best to achieve the perfect recipe for equality, peace and justice.

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