Thursday morning Urban League of Greater Chattanooga commemorated the affiliate’s 38th Annual Equal Opportunity Day by hosting a virtual tribute to Warren E. Logan, Jr., who will retire at the end of the month. Civic leaders, elected officials, community members and advocates gathered virtually to mark the annual occasion and many contributions made by Mr. Logan during his 25-year tenure at the helm of the organization.
“Celebrating inclusiveness and equality in Chattanooga is synonymous with celebrating Warren Logan and his remarkable achievements as president & CEO of this organization,” said Albert Waterhouse, chairman of the Urban League’s board of directors. “Warren has laid the foundation for sustainable change while empowering thousands of individuals in our community. We deeply thank him for his tireless dedication to furthering the mission of the Urban League and improving the lives of so many around him.”
Officials said, "In his storied career with Urban League of Greater Chattanooga, Mr. Logan developed and expanded numerous essential services that benefit members of our community."
Programs include:
• The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance initiative, which prepares tax documents for thousands of qualifying individuals and families each year, free of charge.
• The Shoes 4 School program that provides shoes and supplies to school-aged children each year.
• The Building Futures Minority Contractor Training Program, created in partnership with Tennessee Valley Authority. In the last year, 40 minority contractors were added to TVA’s Quality Contractor Network through this newly developed program.
• The LEAPS After School Program that offers academic remediation and tutoring - 75 percent of students who participated improved in language arts and 64 percent improved in mathematics.
• Urban League’s Entrepreneur Center, which has helped 80 women and minority business owners start or expand businesses.
• The Inclusion By Design Executive Leadership Program. Despite the challenges faced this year, eight senior leaders matriculated through the eight-month program and graduated with the knowledge and skills to function successfully in executive leadership positions.
"Logan is widely respected in the Chattanooga business community and has served on boards for numerous organizations during his career including the Electric Power Board, CHI Memorial and Chattanooga Advisory Board," officials said. "Prior to his Urban League career, he served in leadership roles in Tennessee Valley Authority’s Division of Power and the Office of Minority Business Enterprise. His countless contributions, both personal and professional, were celebrated during today’s event."
“I’m deeply humbled by the outpouring of love as I close this cherished chapter of my life,” said Mr. Logan. “When I stepped into this role more than two decades ago, I never imagined how profoundly our organization would shape the journey to racial equality in our community. It has been a tremendous honor to serve my brothers and sisters in pursuit of equal opportunity for all.”
Candy C. Johnson will succeed Logan as president & CEO of the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga. Ms. Johnson has spent the last 13 years serving in various civic and senior leadership roles in both nonprofit and government sectors in Tennessee. She will assume all duties on Jan. 5, 2021.
“This much-deserved celebration of Mr. Logan’s accomplishments is a true testament to his dynamic leadership and forward-thinking vision,” said Ms. Johnson. “He has built an extraordinary legacy that will continue to inspire those around him for decades to come.”
Speakers that honored Mr. Logan during today’s celebration include National Urban League President & CEO Marc Morial, Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke, Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger, Rep. Yusuf Hakeem on behalf of the State of Tennessee General Assembly, Bishop Kevin Adams and many civic leaders. The event was emceed by WTVC-TV’s Greg Funderburg and chaired by Dorothy Grisham and JV Vaughn.
“Warren has been integral in the continuous fight to eliminate equality gaps in our country,” said Mr. Morial. “He exemplifies the leadership that has been and is needed to continue the fight for civil rights and economic empowerment. On behalf of the National Urban League, we commend Warren for his devoted service to our organization and country.”