The Milwaukee Urban League joins the Urban League movement, and its affiliates across the country, in celebration of the National Urban League Founders’ Day, September 29, 2010. As it launches its second century of civil rights and social justice leadership, the Urban League looks to its founders for inspiration and guidance.
The National Urban League was founded by social worker George Edmund Haynes, the first African American to earn a PhD from Columbia University, and Ruth Standish Baldwin, a wealthy social activist. The League grew out of the merging of three fledgling organizations: the Committee on Urban Conditions Among Negroes, the National League for the Protection of Colored Women, and the Committee for Improving the Industrial Conditions of Negroes in New York.
“There are many parallels between the challenges facing urban America Today and those faced by the African Americans who migrated to northern cities 100 years ago,” said Ralph Hollmon, president and CEO of the Milwaukee Urban League. “Our focus remains on jobs, quality education, economic empowerment and access to health care.”
At the launch of its second century, the Urban League Movement has evolved into an advocate for securing economic equality and justice for underserved communities. Now guided by a “five point empowerment agenda” that focuses on closing the equality gaps that exist for minority communities in education, economic empowerment, health and quality of life, civic engagement, and civil rights and racial justice, the League continues to fight so Americans can have the opportunity to achieve the American dream and improve the quality of their lives.
In celebration of its 100 years of service, the National Urban League embarked upon the “I AM EMPOWERED” social mobilization initiative, asking Americans to pledge their time and talents to achieving four goals by 2025:
- Every American child is ready for college, work and life.
- Every American has access to jobs with a living wage and good benefits.
- Every American lives in safe, decent, affordable, energy efficient housing on fair terms.
- Every American has access to quality and affordable health care solutions.
Hollmon said, “The Milwaukee Urban League is pleased to be a part of this historic occasion” and urges everyone to take the “I AM EMPOWERED” pledge by going to www.iamempowered.com.
“It’s been a remarkable century for the Urban League Movement,” said Mark H. Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League. “We’ve made great strides, opened many doors and turned a climate of fear into a climate of hope. But more work remains to be done, and we are guided by the spirit of determination and dedication that moved our founders.”
The Milwaukee Urban League (MUL) is one of the oldest National Urban League affiliates dedicated to providing direct services and advocacy for African Americans and other minorities. Since 1919, the MUL has been a catalyst for social justice and change.
