League Takes Note of Nancy Wilson

It was an occasion to sing the praises of a singer when the Los Angeles Urban League honored Nancy Wilson on Thursday at the Century Plaza Hotel. The vocalist was given the Whitney M. Young Jr. Award at the league’s 19th annual dinner.

“Nancy’s not just some celebrity whose name was pulled out of a hat,” said president John Mack. “She’s someone who’s been a builder. She hasn’t promoted hate. She’s promoted understanding. Even though she’s reached stardom, she’s reached back to help the community.”

The strength of Wilson’s name, combined with strong corporate support, made this one of the league’s most successful fund-raisers. With more than 1,500 guests, about $500,000 was netted. “Considering the state of the economy,” said Mack, “I’d like to think it’s also a testament to the work of the Urban League.”

The dinner began with a stirring a cappella singing of “The Lord’s Prayer” by Carl Anderson. It continued with a brief video on the Urban League’s work and a performance by Peabo Bryson. Dinner chairman Mario Antoci, league board chairman William Rusnack and emcee Bernie Casey all made brief speeches, followed by Mayor Tom Bradley and Mack’s presentation of the President’s Message.

The most energized speech came from Arsenio Hall, who credits Wilson with discovering him. “There is no Arsenio Hall without Nancy Wilson,” he said.

Hall told the story of filling in for Wilson once when she was late for a performance. Afterward she told him, “I think you have it” to make a career in show business. “That,” said Hall, “gave me all the arrogance and confidence you see every night on television.”

The difficult position of following Hall went to last year’s honoree, Arco Chairman Lod Cook, who presented the award to Wilson. Among those on hand were Ella Fitzgerald, State Sen. Diane Watson (D-Los Angeles), Warren Christopher, Billy Davis Jr., Jamaal Wilkes, director Bill Duke and L.A. City Council members Mark Ridley-Thomas, Ruth Galanter and Zev Yaroslavsky.

Wilson ended her acceptance speech by saying her philosophy was to “give back what you would like given to you. The bottom line is, just be decent to other people.”