In
1938 at the urging of negro businessmen and local
religious leaders, the Council of Social Agencies,
aided by Jesse O. Thomas, Southern Field Secretary
for the National Urban League, founded the Urban
League of Greater New Orleans. The conditions
facing Negro New Orleanians mirrored those of
other urban dwellers which propelled the newly
formed group to advocate for better race relations
which would be the foundation for improving the
plight of Negroes economically and socially.
The urban League would serve as a "clearing
house" for the industrial, social, and general
welfare problems of the Negro people.
THE
MOVEMENT
In
1910, the National Urban League was founded to champion
basic human rights for African Americans in this
country. During this era, rights such as voting,
equal education, housing and fair employment were
institutionally denied to people of color in our
society.
OUR
MISSION
Today, there are 105 Urban League affiliates throughout the country. Through
advocacy, community organization and mobilization and program services
in areas of education, economic development, employment and training, youth
services and child and family support, the League's mission of helping
individuals to attain economic self-sufficiency remains virtually unchanged.
