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Greensboro Mayor Yvonne Johnson spoke to African American leaders Wednesday about the significance of their contributions to United Way of Greater Greensboro.

Johnson is also the executive director of One Step Further, a nonprofit United Way agency that provides mediation services, life skills and conflict resolution classes and opportunities for juveniles and their families to resolve conflicts positively. She encouraged the Breakfast With Leaders crowd to continue supporting United Way agencies.

"She was an inspiration to attendees because she talked about how important their role is in helping African American families and making an overall impact," Calvin Foster, lead staff, United Way, said. "A huge percentage of people served by One Step Further are African American."

United Way's African American Leadership was founded in 2003 by former Bennett College president Johnnetta Cole. About 50 AAL members attended the Breakfast With Leaders, AAL's first, Foster said. The group held its annual holiday dinner Tuesday.

Foster said 120 people attended the dinner where four families who receive services from United Way and/or partner agencies shared their stories.

The families were surprised with $100 gift cards to Walmart and other gifts.

"It was very touching that people could share their stories," said Cecelia Foy-Dorsett, AAL co-chairwoman. "It energized members to keep doing what they are doing for AAL and United Way and may have also encouraged others to step up and donate."

Foy-Dorsett said the struggling economy has increased demand for services from United Way and partner agencies.

"We have more need now than ever. It is even more important for those that can give to do so," she said.

AAL is holding a local volunteer activity for Martin Luther King Jr.'s "A Day On, Not a Day Off" nationwide observance Jan. 19, Foster said. For information, contact Foster at 378-6612 or calvin.foster@unitedwaygso.org.

Contact Adria Hairston at 883-4422, Ext. 244, or adria.hairston@news-record.com