Empowerment Day 2024 – Honorees

Social Justice Award: Bishop Timothy Clarke

Bishop Timothy Clarke of First Church of God in Columbus is the Columbus Urban Leagueā€™s 2024 Empowerment Day Social Justice Award recipient. His achievements will be recognized on stage at CULā€™s 49th Annual Empowerment Day on Tuesday, October 22 at The Hilton Columbus Downtown.

Bishop Clarke is the fourth recipient of the award, given to leaders who demonstrate a strong and long-standing commitment to justice for all. Past honorees include Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, Christie Angel and Denise Robinson.

ā€œBishop Clarkeā€™s impact on the community is immense and his steadfast dedication to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in Central Ohio and beyond is seen every day,ā€ said CUL President & CEO Stephanie Hightower. ā€œWeā€™re pleased to count him among our friends, supporters and advocates and recognize him for his relentless work to shape a community that advances social justice and economic empowerment for all.ā€

The 2024 Empowerment Day program, ā€œA Business Imperative: Why Central Ohio Must Create an Inclusive Economy,ā€ will also include a keynote from Dr. Michael Eric Dyson. The luncheon begins at Noon, with doors at 11:30. More information and sponsorship opportunities can be found at cul.org/empower.

About Bishop Clarke: Bishop Clarke is the visionary leader and Senior Pastor of First Church of God in Columbus, in addition to serving in various leadership and board positions at the local and national levels for organizations focused on benefitting both people and community. He is the founder and Chief Prelate of the Berean Fellowship, an international assembly, partnering with pastors of small to mid-size churches and young pastors, and those new to pastoral ministry. Through the Berean Fellowship, Bishop Clarke equips pastors and leaders with the tools necessary to do effective ministry while offering a place of love, acceptance, and affirmation.

Called to the ministry in January 1974, Bishop Clarke served as the Associate Minister at First Church of God, in his hometown of Far Rockaway, New York, under his mentor, the late Dr. James E. Cray. Bishop Clarke began his pastorate at York Avenue Church of God (Warren, OH) in November 1977 and faithfully served the congregation for four years. Bishop Clarke became the Senior Pastor of First Church of God in February 1982 after receiving the call in November 1981. His consecration to the office of Bishop transpired in September of 2001.

Honda Empowerment Award: JPMorganChase

The Columbus Urban League proudly names JPMorganChase as the 2024 Honda Empowerment Award recipient, presented annually to a company that has shown exceptional commitment to social justice and economic development, particularly for underrepresented communities in Central Ohio. Their achievements will be recognized on stage at CULā€™s 49th Annual Empowerment Day on Tuesday, October 22 at The Hilton Columbus Downtown.

ā€œJPMorganChase has been a vital partner in advancing our mission to create an inclusive economy,ā€ said CUL President & CEO Stephanie Hightower. ā€œTheir generous support of our AccelerateHer program has empowered entrepreneurs, including Black women, with the knowledge and resources needed to succeed. This dedication exemplifies how corporate leadership can drive meaningful change in our community.ā€

In 2023, JPMorganChase committed $3 million in philanthropic support to the Columbus Urban League’s AccelerateHer program with the goal of connecting 100 women entrepreneurs to education and support, access to capital, and contracting opportunities. This commitment was part of the firm’s annual competition to source innovative and sustainable ideas to advance equity in the United States. It also built upon JPMorganChase’s mission of using its knowledge, skills, and resources to connect business owners with the capital, connections, customers, and resources needed for growth, further deepening the firm’s more than 210-year history in Central Ohio.

ā€œJPMorganChase is proud to partner with local officials, community leaders, and organizationsā€”like the Columbus Urban Leagueā€”to break down barriers to opportunity and advance business growth and entrepreneurship in Central Ohio,ā€ said Brandon Nelson, Market Executive for Middle Market Banking at JPMorganChase Commercial Banking, and Board Member of the Columbus Urban League. ā€œBy working together, weā€™re helping to create a more prosperous region that enables everyone to thrive.ā€

This belief is at the heart of CUL priorities and inspires this yearā€™s Empowerment Day theme: ā€œA Business Imperative: Why Central Ohio Must Create an Inclusive Economy.ā€

The 2024 program will also include a keynote from Dr. Michael Eric Dyson. The luncheon begins at noon, with doors opening at 11:30 a.m. More information and sponsorship opportunities can be found at cul.org/empower.