Memphis Urban League Young Professionals celebrates its second annual Agents of Change Awards Saturday, Dec. 3, honoring individuals and organizations that have made contributions to the community.

The ceremony is at 7 p.m. at Opera Memphis, 6745 Wolf River Parkway.

Founded in 2003, MULYP is an all-volunteer group and the local affiliate of the National Urban League Young Professionals.

Its purpose is to support the mission of the Memphis Urban League and National Urban League, which help African-Americans and other ethnic groups expand economic opportunities and secure parity, power and civil rights.

Organized by MULYP’s board, the dinner and ceremony will be a red-tie gala – a black-tie affair with holiday flair.

The awards will honor individuals and organizations nominated in eight categories, including those who have made contributions to the community in the fields of health care, education and the arts.

One nonprofit organization and one Greek letter organization will be honored.

“As young professionals, we feel it is our duty to acknowledge those among us making a tremendous difference in this city,” said MULYP President Lori Spicer. “These finalists truly represent the best of Memphis, and we are ecstatic to celebrate their achievements.”

About 300 Memphians, including Memphis Mayor A C Wharton Jr. and Memphis City Council member Edmund Ford Jr., attended last year’s sold-out Agents of Change Awards, held at the Tower Room atop Clark Tower in East Memphis.

This year’s finalists are:

• Agent of Change Award: Darrell Cobbins, Nicole Gates and Joy Bowen
• The MULYP Legends Award: Jeffery Higgs, Carolyn Hardy and Peggy Russell
• MULYP Member of the Year: Cynthia Daniels, Chandra Towler and Shayla Lawrence
• Innovator of the Year: Devin James, Demarcus Love and Andrea Haynes
• Community/Civic Activist: Derwin Sisnett, Courtney Richardson and Charlie Caswell
• Health Advocate of the Year: Tezra Woody, Christina Rosenthal and Anthony Price
• Arts Enthusiast of the Year: Marcellus Harper, Jammond Bullock and Ekundayo Bandele
• Educator of the Year: Harry Cash, Kia Tate and Jamal McCall
• Non-Profit/Faith-Based Organization of the Year: Community Foundation of Greater Memphis’ GiVE 365, Rangeline Community Development Corp. and Girlfriends Initiative at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church
• Greek Organization of the Year Award: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Memphis Alumnae Chapter; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Phi Lambda Omega Chapter; and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc., Eta Epsilon Chapter

Tickets are $50. Visit www.mulyp.org for more information.