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NATIONAL
URBAN
LEAGUE 
29th ANNUAL EQUAL OPPORTUNITY DAY DINNER

Equal Opportunity Day Dinner 

   This has been a most special year for the National Urban League. Beginning officially with a Founders Day Observance in January and continuing over the succeeding months, the NUL has been marking its 75th year in service to people. Thus, its 29th Annual Equal Opportunity Day Dinner also takes on a unique significance for it too is part of the NUL's Diamond Jubilee Celebration. 
   The past 75 years have seen the National Urban League grow from an idea and a dream held by a handful of visionaries, into a national institution that has enhanced and enriched the lives of millions of people. From the time that it was created in New York City in 1910 until the present, the National Urban League has always been in the forefront of efforts to achieve equality of opportunity for all Americans in every phase of their lives. 
   It was to call attention to these efforts and to remind the American people that the struggle had not been won that the League began its annual Equal Opportunity Day. The designation of the day also provided an opportunity to pay public tribute to several individuals who had made major contributions to the struggle. 
   Traditionally, Equal Opportunity Day has been held in November on or near the date when President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address that began with the immoral lines:"Fourscore and seven years ago our forefathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal."
   Tonight, the National Urban League is proud to honor two individuals who, in different ways, have made outstanding and substantial contributions to the cause of equal opportunity. One of these awards is being made posthumously - to Dr. Jerome H. Holland, who passed away earlier this year. The second honoree is James E. Burke, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Johnson and Johnson. The Equal Opportunity Day Award is the highest commendation the National Urban League can present and in awarding it to these two individuals in our 75th Anniversary Year, we known our founders who applaud our selection. 

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DANIEL L. RITCHIE
Chairman 
Dinner Committee

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DAVID T. KEARNS
Chairman of the Board
National Urban League 

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JOHN E. JACOB
President and Chief Executive Officer 
National Urban League